Chrysoprase
Apple-green chalcedony coloured by nickel, the most valuable of its family.
- Family
- Chalcedony
- Formula
- SiO₂
- Mohs
- 6.5 to 7
- System
- Trigonal
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Science
Chrysoprase forms where nickel-rich rocks weather and the nickel is taken up by chalcedony. Unlike most green stones the colour is not from chromium. It fades in sunlight over years and is one of the few chalcedonies sold by quality grade like a gem.
- Mineral
- Chalcedony (variety)
- Formula
- SiO₂
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5 to 7
- Specific gravity
- 2.58 to 2.64
- Refractive index
- 1.530 to 1.540
- Lustre
- Waxy to vitreous
- Colours
- Apple green, Mint
Composition
SiO₂. Made of Silicon, Oxygen, with trace Nickel responsible for colour.
Origin
- AustraliaMarlborough, Queensland
- TanzaniaHaneti
- PolandSzklary, historic
- Brazil
- Indonesia
Filled dots are primary sources
Rarity
Fine, evenly coloured translucent material is scarce and rivals jade in price.
- 1 Abundant
- 2 Common
- 3 Uncommon
- 4 Rare
- 5 Exceptional
Hardness
Chrysoprase sits at 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. It will scratch glass and holds a polish in daily wear.
Energy
Associations from crystal-healing tradition, recorded here as folklore. They are not medical claims.
Chakras
- Heart
Element
- Earth
Zodiac
- Libra
- Cancer
Planets
- Venus
Properties
- Joy
- Compassion
- Hope
- Forgiveness
Lore
Frederick the Great of Prussia lined rooms of Sanssouci with it, and the Chapel of St Wenceslas in Prague is faced with Silesian chrysoprase.
Alexander the Great supposedly wore it into battle until a snake bit it from his girdle at the Euphrates. In modern practice it is the stone of uncomplicated happiness.
- ColourNickel, as fine grains of a nickel silicate.
- FadingProlonged sun can pale it; moisture partly restores it.