Chrysoprase

Chrysoprase

The translucent beauty of Chrysoprase will knock your socks off! It’s the loveliest green variety of chalcedony (quartz) and the second most valuable chalcedony except for gem silica. Most people aren’t aware that it exists so it’s not used often, so you’ll probably only see it in small boutique type shops. As a matter of fact, so little of this stone exists, that it’s mined by the kilogram and not by the ton!



Chrysoprase RoughChrysoprase PolishedLemon Chrysoprase Polished Rough


Chrysoprase was discovered in Poland during the Middle Ages but today it’s mainly sourced from Australia. It presents itself in cavities, veins and rock fractures. The unique green is due to the nickel content and the more nickel, the stronger the color. Excessive sunlight and heat exposure is an enemy of chrysoprase-it will fade in color.

Many times, ordinary chalcedony is dyed green and passed off as chrysoprase. You may see it labeled as "chrysoprase," "chalcedony chrysoprase" or "chrysoprase chalcedony." True chrysoprase will have inclusions and variations in color. If you find consistent green color and perfect transparency-beware! It could be “ordinary” chalcedony which has been dyed green or a really, really amazing chrysoprase.

Chrsyoprase As Beads and Pendant with Rough