Chrysoprase belongs to the quartz family, a variety of chalcedony. Its green color is reminiscent of green spring and calm.
Brief History
Chrysoprase is one of the oldest gemstones in use. Its etymology comes from the Greek
“ chrysous ” meaning gold and “ prason ” meaning leek, its full name is “Golden Leek ” due to its green color similar to that of a leek.
The ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians used chrysoprase to make seals, necklaces and other objects. The stone is mentioned several times in religious texts, such as the Bible and excerpts from Pliny the Elders Natural History. In addition, popular belief states that the foundations of the wall of New Jerusalem are made of various stones, including chrysoprase.
It is also said that Alexander the Great liked to carry a chrysoprase with him into battle, as it gave him victory. In the Middle Ages, chrysoprase was credited with healing powers and the ability to render the wearer invisible. Frederick II, King of Prussia, was very interested in chrysoprase and his possessions were mainly decorated with this stone.
Chrysoprase has always been used for a variety of purposes and is still widely used today, especially in the world of jewelry
- Color: Chrysoprase is known for its vivid apple-green to grass-green color, caused by traces of nickel in the stone. The color can vary in intensity, with some stones exhibiting a deep, saturated green hue.
- Transparency: Chrysoprase is usually translucent to semi-translucent, allowing light to pass through and giving it a sparkling or luminous quality. The transparency of chrysoprase can enhance its beauty and appeal.
- Hardness: Chrysoprase is relatively soft, with a hardness of 6.50 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for jewelry. However, like other gemstones, it may still require care to avoid scratches and damage.
- Origin: The main deposit of chrysoprase is Australia, where the best quality chrysoprase in terms of color is found. But chrysoprase can also be found in Germany, Poland,Czech Republic, and Zambia.
** Please check price according to color, quality and size.