Prase Quartz - Italy

This prase specimen is from Porticciolo Mine, Elba Island, Italy.
Locality: Porticciolo, Rio Marina, Rio, Livorno Province, Tuscany, Italy
Dimensions: 94*75*60mm

Italian prase quartz (praseum) from Elba Island is internationally recognized as one of the world’s four classic prase quartz localities, alongside Serifos Island in Greece, Huanggang Mines in Inner Mongolia, and Dalnegorsk region of Russia. Specimens from Elba Island are widely regarded as benchmarks within the global mineral collecting community.

Elba Island prase quartz is renowned for its jade-like translucency and softly restrained green coloration.

【About the Elba Island Mining District】

Elba Island is known for its remarkable mineral diversity. Since around 1000 BC, its iron deposits served as one of the most important iron sources in the Mediterranean region. Although mining activities ceased several decades ago, minerals such as pyrite and hematite from Elba Island continue to illustrate its rich industrial and geological heritage.

Beyond iron minerals, Elba Island is also celebrated for producing a wide range of collectible minerals, including amethyst, prase quartz, and tourmaline. Notably, elbaite—a major tourmaline species—was first discovered on Elba Island and named after the locality itself.