Prehnite is a mineral that was named for Colonel Hendrik Von Prehn (1733–1785), who is thought to have discovered it in 1774, at the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, and later brought specimens to Europe. This silica is usually pale to medium green, but may also be white, brown, gray and colorless. It is a brittle substance and can be partially transparent to translucent. Prehnite can be found all over the world in countries such as Australia, South Africa, China, Scotland and the USA.
A different form of large, individual, flattened crystals and clusters was found in the the Quebec, Canada. In the U.S., the most famous prehnite localities are in northwestern New Jersey, especially hemispherical shapes, fingers and snakeheads; also large balls, sometimes with a yellowish hue, and triangular clusters. Connecticut has prehnite in many of the basalt quarries, including rare white prehnite. Prehnite of sharp black is found in Massachusetts, and pale green tabular crystals are found in the North Carolina.
Prehnite is sometimes used as a healing crystal and can enhance spiritual growth, precognition, and discipline. It is sometimes sold as "new jade." It is associated with minerals such as datolite, calcite, and others in veins and cavities of basaltic rocks and granites. In April 2000, orange Prehnite was discovered in South Africa.
References:
Healing Crystals For You
http://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/green-prehnite.html
mindat.org
http://www.mindat.org/min-3277.html
Minerals.net
http://www.minerals.net/mineral/prehnite.aspx
Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prehnite
