17 Green Gemstones (for Saint Patrick’s Day)
Green has a strong association with the month of March. Saint Patrick’s Day is one of the main reasons, though it isn’t the only one. It’s also the time of year when plants start springing back to life, revitalizing the landscape with shades ranging from vibrant limes to soft sages and deep forest greens. That makes it the perfect time for green gemstones.
Overall, green is a surprisingly common colour in the world of gems. There are green stones available at nearly any price point, as well as practically any hue imaginable. Whether you’re looking for a light green stone or a dark green gemstone, there’s something for you.
If you’re thinking about adding a new piece of jewelry or expanding your collection, here is a list of green gemstones to consider.
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17 Green Gemstones
1. Bloodstone
While bloodstone isn’t the first green gem most people think of, it’s an excellent choice. Along with being a March gemstone, its unique colouring makes it an intriguing option for anyone looking for a stone that’s just a bit different. While the gem is mainly a deep green, it’s speckled with flecks of red, giving it that little something extra.
2. Emerald
If you’re asked to think of green gemstone names, natural emeralds are often one of the first stones that come to mind. Most emeralds typically have strong green colouring, usually in the mid-toned range. It’s often transparent or translucent, depending on the presence of imperfections. Additionally, while it’s resistant to scratches, the structure does make them a bit more delicate than some alternatives, making them suitable for occasional wear.
3. Peridot
For a light green gemstone, it’s hard to overlook peridot. The colour tends to be in the yellow-green spectrum, often coming in close to lime. The hints of yellow and transparency make it warmer than many other green crystals, and the brighter shades make this pale green gemstone a perfect match for spring.
4. Jade
One of the quintessential green gems, jade is as opulent as it is beautiful. Thanks to its translucent nature and vibrant colouring, it’s long been a favourite for jewelry and carvings. Whether you’re interested in jadeite or nephrite – both of which are considered varieties of jade – you get a durable stone that’s fun to wear. Plus, jade is said to bring luck or good fortune, making it a nice option for introducing some positivity into your wardrobe.
5. Green Diamond
For those with a larger budget, a green diamond might be the perfect gemstone for the season. It’s one of the rarer natural colours for the stone, offering a soft, mid-toned hue that’s just a tad earthy. The colouring actually allows it to function as a neutral, making it easy to wear. Plus, it’s highly durable, making it a good choice for active individuals.
6. Chrysoprase
If you’re looking for a jade substitute, chrysoprase is an excellent, affordable alternative. It’s a vibrant gem, and its translucent nature almost makes it glow when exposed to light. The striking colouring of these bright green stones is guaranteed to stand out whether carved or cut and polished to create cabochons.
7. Aventurine
A unique variety of quartz with strong green colouring and natural sparkle, aventurine is best known for the optical phenomenon known as aventurescense. Essentially, the gem features a characteristic shimmer, allowing it to stand out from the crowd. The shade can also vary, ranging from deep forest to light seafoam. As a result, there’s a stone to match nearly any taste.
8. Zoisite
Zoisite is a crystal that comes in a wide array of colours, including green. The clarity can vary, ranging from opaque to transparent. For example, ruby zoisite is typically opaque, not unlike bloodstone. However, other versions are closer to emeralds or peridot when it comes to transparent variants.
For transparent versions, green tanzanite and chrome tanzanite are other green crystal names that refer to this stone. Their hues tend to be deeper or earthier, though some may also end up on the lighter end of the spectrum.
9. Serpentine
While serpentine comes in many colours, it’s best known as a greenish gemstone. However, the exact shade can range from soft mint to vibrant lime to deep forest green, making it easy to find a stone that suits your taste. Generally, serpentine is translucent, giving it a lovely glow. Additionally, there can be mottling, banding, or striations, adding visual interest.
10. Prehnite
Like many other stones on this list, prehnite comes in several colours. However, the most popular versions are typically in the yellow-to-green spectrum, often appearing as lime green in its raw form. Usually, prehnite ranges from transparent to translucent, with some faceted versions looking a bit like green frosted glass.
11. Green Apatite
If you’re looking for a blue-green stone, green apatite might be your match. The shade can vary significantly. Some apatite gems are vibrant lime greens, while others are moody teals. You can also find many apatite stones in hues closer to a spring green, which could be the perfect option for the season.
12. Malachite
Malachite is an intriguing opaque stone, featuring bands of greens in different shades, as well as black, on occasion. The unique patterning is often what attracts people to the gem, as no two pieces look exactly alike. Often, jewelry features cabochons or malachite beads. However, it’s also possible to find carved stones, too.
13. Green Chrysoberyl
Chrysoberyl is a mineral that comes in a wide range of hues, including colour-changing versions like alexandrite (which can look green in certain lighting). However, if you’re looking for a green crystal, opting for green chrysoberyl could be a wise choice. It’s on the lighter side, not unlike peridot or green diamond. However, it’s far more affordable than the latter, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious shoppers.
14. Sunstone
A feldspar mineral, Sunstone is another stone that comes in a range of hues, including green. Generally, jewelry-quality versions are transparent, though there are samples that lean more opaque. Often, the colour is earthier, coming in closer to an olive. Additionally, some may feature sections in other hues, such as burnt orange, making them highly visually interesting.
15. Turquoise
While turquoise is commonly thought of as a blue gemstone, there are versions that lean more into the green spectrum. In some cases, they may even be a lively apple green, punctuated with dark spiderweb-like patterns. They’re commonly opaque or slightly translucent, making cabochons the most popular option for jewelry. However, there are also carved designs, giving those interested in the stone more variety than they may expect.
16. Variscite
If you’re looking for a light green gemstone, variscite is an excellent choice. The hue is often incredibly delicate, putting it closer to mint green. Since it’s opaque, it’s more commonly used for cabochons or beads. However, since it’s softer, you may find carved pieces, too.
17. Moldavite
Technically a kind of glass, moldavite is formed during meteorite impacts, giving each piece an intriguing backstory. Generally, it’s a translucent stone, often with unique inclusions that look a bit like bubbles or foam. The colour is typically a deep, earthy olive green. As a result, it’s a visually striking stone that’s also very neutral, making it easy to wear.