Plasma

Description

(geology) An archaic name for a translucent green gemstone. Plasma stones are composed of a bright green cryptocrystalline quartz (chalcedony) and often have patches of white or yellow. They are native to India and Egypt. Many poor quality emeralds have been misidentified as plasma gemstones. Plasma stones are called bloodstone when they contain small red spots of jasper.

Synonyms and Related Terms

chalcedony

Other Properties

Fracture = conchoidal. Luster = waxy. Streak = white.

Mohs Hardness	7.0
Density	2.6

Additional Information

J. Ogden, Jewelry of the Ancient World, Rizzoli International Publications, New York, 1982. Mineralogy Database: Quartz

Authority

• Jack Odgen, Jack Odgen, Jewellery of the Ancient World, Rizzoli International Publications Inc., New York City, 1982