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Chrysoprase
(Alternate May Birthstone)
Rough Chrysoprase from
Yerilla Chrysoprase mine at Yerilla in
Western Australia
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Scientific:
The name chrysoprase comes from "chrysos
prason" (Greek) for gold leek. Like so many
very ancient or even old names for stones
used for ornamentation, it was apparently
applied to several yellowish green
gemstones, including beryl, but gradually it
became limited to the apple-green colored
microcrystalline variety of quartz (or
chalcedony): chrysoprase.
Chrysoprase is considered the most valuable
stone in the chalcedony group. The
microscopic fine quartz fibers have a radial
structure. Unlike most other green stones,
which owe their color to chromium or
vanadium, chrysoprase derives its green
color to staining by nickel oxide compounds.
Large broken pieces are often full of
fissures with irregular colors. |
Tanzanian Chrysoprase
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It occurs
as nodules or fillings of clefts in
serpentine rocks and in weathered materials
of nickel ore deposits. Long ago, the
deposit of Frankenstein (Zabkowice) in Upper
Silesia, Poland, was the most important
mine, but it has been worked out since the
14th century. Today's deposits include
Australia (New South Wales), Brazil, India,
Kazakhstan, Madagascar, Russia (the Urals),
Zimbabwe, South Africa, Tanzania, and
California.
Before Australia became the dominant source
of chrysoprase, dealers compensated for the
gem's scarcity by staining colorless quartz
green, using either nickel salts or chromium
salts (both greening agents). Despite the
abundance of chrysoprase today, stones with
ersatz green remain an annoyance and should
be guarded against as natural-color stones
become more popular and expensive. According
to Robert Webster's "Gems," the most common
simulated greens are produced with chromium
salts. These can be detected with a Chelsea
filter (stained stones show a "brownish-red
residual color") and a spectroscope (look
for "three vague lines in the red part of
the spectrum"). |
Chrysoprase
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Color can
fade in sunlight and when heated (be careful
when soldering). Fading occurs when
dehydration robs stones of their coloring
agent, pimelite a silicate. Pimelite has a
layered structure that readily traps or
loses moisture. As stones dry out, they lose
translucency and luster. To restore these
attributes, leave stones in wet cotton or
take a bath wearing your chrysoprase
jewelry.
Gem chrysoprase is of such fine translucent
green color and texture that it was at first
mistaken for green Imperial jadeite.
Chrysoprase has many similarities to
(particularly color) and can be confused
with jadeite. It is sometimes marketed as
"Australian Imperial Jade". |
Lemon Chrysoprase from
Yerilla Chrysoprase mine at Yerilla in
Western Australia
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Chrysoprase is used mainly in beads and
cabochons.
Variety of: Chalcedony
Hardness: 6-7
Chemical Composition: SiO2 silicon dioxide |
Australia : Scott 558 : 6 cents : 11 Jul
1973
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History:
This material has been
mentioned as early in history as 23 AD, but
was not mined commercially until about 1740.
Chrysoprase was popular in the time of the
Greeks and Romans when it was cut into
cameos and intaglios. In Egypt it was set
next to lapis lazuli and also made into
beads.
It was used lavishly in Europe until the
deposits being mined in Silesia were
exhausted and it became rare and expensive.
The great jewelry designer, Peter Carl
Fabergé, in some of his most exquisite
works, often used chrysoprase. |
Chrysoprase squares ready for carving along
with finished pendants
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Chrysoprase was a particular favorite of
Frederick the Great of Prussia. He adorned
his opulent palace at Potsdam, named Sans
Souci, with objects and furniture made in
whole or part of chrysoprase. All of the
material for these works (among them, two
all-chrysoprase tables) came from a find in
what is now Poland but was then Silesia.
This stone was the favorite jewel or stone
of Queen Anne of England and has remained
popular all the way through the reign of
Queen Victoria. |
Chrysoprase slab
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It can be
seen today decorating many buildings in
beautiful Prague, including the Chapel of
St. Wencelas.
Lore:
The Book of Revelations
(21:20) describes the holy city of Jerusalem
with its 12 foundation walls, each decorated
with precious gemstones, including the
tenth, being chrysoprase. |
Lemon Chrysoprase pendants
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According
to Alburtus Magnus: The always victorious
Alexander the Great wore a chrysoprase stone
in his girdle. One day a snake bit the stone
off the girdle and dropped it in the river.
From that time forward, Alexander never won
another battle.
According to the 11th Century Byzantine
manuscript of Michael Psellius, chrysoprase
was believed to strengthen vision and
relieve internal pain. |
Chrysoprase cabochon
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Chrysoprase was said to be a "Victory
Stone."
In the 1800's, Chrysoprase was said to help
thieves become invisible.
*(A Chrysoprase crystal held in the mouth is
said to grant the power of invisibility.) |
Tumbled Chrysoprase
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It is
believed to encourage maximum physical
outcomes to situations and helps to heal the
"broken heart". It encourages fidelity in
business and personal affairs. It is
considered useful in treating disorders of
the heart, in increasing dexterity and for
treating the reproductive organs, including
an increase in fertility and other sexual
imbalances.
It is a soothing stone for those suffering
from the pangs of love. It helps to release
emotional tension and stress. This is a
healing stone: it works well with other
stones, increasing the other stone's healing
properties. |
Lemon Chrysoprase beads
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Green is
also the color of abundance, whether in a
material sense or in terms of healing.
Traditionally chrysoprase is believed to
attract abundance and to help in success in
new ventures. As another example of the
widespread applications of the word
"abundance," this stone is also considered
useful in attracting new friends.
Chrysoprase is a stone that can help us to
peacefully absorb spiritual energies, and to
make transformation a natural part of our
daily lives. Chrysoprase is protective. It
is protective against bad influences,
nightmares, and anguish. |
Chrysoprase jewelry
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Chrysoprase is said to help with weight
loss. That is only because chrysoprase
balances neurotic patterns, eases depression
and sexual imbalance. It is calming,
balancing, and healing for
physical/emotional/mental bodies. It helps
one see clearly into personal problems. |
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Teresa's Rock of the Week, formerly Gail's Rock of the Week |
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