How Much is Prasiolite Worth

High-quality prasiolite is very affordable in sizes ranging from 1 -10 carats and the cost per carat is between $3.00 to $25.00 per carat. Prasiolite is a great stone for lapidary artists because of the value it offers for cabochons and faceted stones.

Prasiolite comes in a range of tones and saturations but it is always a green hue. The darker the tone and higher the saturation the higher the cost per carat. Extremely large stones don’t necessarily bring a higher price per carat because you can’t do anything with a 100-carat faceted stone. The main sources of high-quality prasiolite come from Brazil, Uruguay, and Nigeria.

 

 

 

How to determine value and cost

When determining the value of the gemstone you will be using GIA guidelines which means color, clarity, carat weight, and cut.  You’ll want to look at each one of these individually and then circle back when finished to evaluate the stone as a whole. If you need help identifying prasiolite then go here first.

Color is going to be the most important factor when determining the value of gemstones.  Clarity and carat weight are tied for the second most important factor.  When valuing prasiolite you’ll need to keep in mind there is no premium location or color that is highly sought-after.

 

Color – The more intense the color the more valuable the stone is.  When dealing with warm colors, think of red and orange, you’ll want to determine if there are brown undertones.  If you can’t see brown undertones then the color should be very vibrant.  The more vibrant and saturated the color the more expensive the gemstone.  If the gemstone has a unique “neon-like glow” then it will demand the highest price per carat.

 

Clarity – Buyers, and collectors prefer stones with no internal inclusions visible to the eye. Prasiolite can be found with visible inclusions all the way to flawless.  To determine the clarity ranking you’ll need at a minimum a 10x loop and a higher-powered microscope to confirm internally flawless and flawless designations.

If you can visibly see the inclusion while holding the gemstone then the highest designation would be SI1 and if the inclusion detracts from the overall beauty of the stone then the clarity designation would be I1 – I3.

Clarity designations – FL, IF, VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, I1, I2, I3

 

 

Carat – Prasiolite can be found in sizes ranging from below 1 carat to above 10 carats.  Generally speaking, prasiolite can be sourced in any carat weight. The larger the stone doesn’t necessarily mean it’s worth more money per carat due to rarity.

 

Cut – It is sad to say but cut has the least impact on value and cost unless it affects the stone in an extreme way.  For example, when you look at the stone you would be able to see through it which means light is not being reflected back to the eye.  This is called a window in the stone and it would have to be quite large to impact the price.  The other extreme would occur when you look at a stone and see a rough circle or oval shape inside the stone.  This occurs when the stone is very shallow and it’s reflecting the rough girdle inside the stone.  Note: the girdle is the edge/side of the stone where the pavilion and crown meet.

 

 

 

 

Colors by Value

Light Colored Prasiolite price per carat = $3.00 – $10.00

• Large sizes are common
• Mostly found in inexpensive jewelry

 

Medium Colored Prasiolite price per carat = $8.00 – $25.00

• Common in all sizes

 

Prasiolite Cabochons = $7.00 – $20.00 each

• Range in size
• Fairly common

 

How valuable is Prasiolite?

Prasiolite has never brought a higher dollar per carat because of its abundance. There are stones selling for higher prices because of their hue, tone, and saturation. If you’re looking to add prasiolite to your collection then you should focus on stones with high saturation and hue.

 

Values of Prasiolite

Each year I do research on market prices for prasiolite and I can tell you the prices for lighter-colored stones are fairly constant but the price for prasiolite will be fairly constant and you shouldn’t look for this tone to appreciate.

If you’re not sure how to value a gemstone then you should consider a gemstone appraisal. Individuals acquiring gemstones through inheritance, estate sales, and auctions typically have the gemstone appraised to determine the value and to ensure the gem is what they think it is.