Story of Chrysoprase

CHRYSOPRASE

Type: chalcedony

Mohs hardness scale: 6.5–7

Color: light green, yellow-green, grass green, olive green

ORIGIN AND PROVENANCE

Chrysoprase is the most valuable variety of chalcedony. Its apple-green color is caused by the presence of nickel, while its yellow color is caused by the presence of arsenic.

Its name is derived from the Greek words chrysos—gold—and prasinos—green.

It was already popular among the ancient Greeks and Romans (a favorite talisman of Alexander III of Macedon), who used it in their jewelry and amulets.

By order of Charles IV, chrysoprase was used to decorate the St. Wenceslas Chapel in St. Vitus Cathedral, the statues of St. Wenceslas and St. Adalbert at Prague Castle, and the Chapel of the Holy Cross at Karlštejn Castle.

COLORS

Several types of chrysoprase are distinguished by their color. For example, there is lemon-colored chrysoprase, which is found in Tanzania. There is also Australian chrysoprase, found in Australia, which has a bright green color. Another type of chrysoprase from Australia is so-called nickel chrysoprase, which contains much more nickel and therefore has a more pronounced, darker color. Chrysoprase from India is called mint chrysoprase and has a mint color.

The most beautiful and highest-quality chrysoprase comes from Tanzania and Queensland, Australia, where it is nicknamed “Australian jade” because of its color.

But be warned: its enchanting color can fade when exposed to light (similar to amethyst and citrine).

ORIGIN

Tanzania (Haneti Hill), Australia (Queensland), Madagascar, California, Poland (Szklary), Austria, Brazil, Myanmar, Russia.

From the mid-18th to the mid-19th century, the Szklary mine in Poland was considered the world’s largest chrysoprase deposit. During this period, there was even talk of a “chrysoprase fever.”

USES

Chrysoprase is used to make jewelry and decorative items.

It is most commonly used to make polished cylinders, beads, cabochons, cameos, and gemstones.

If a cutter finds that the chrysoprase has excellent quality and color, it is also used for faceting.