Chrysoprase

Chrysoprase sits at a 6-7 on the Mohs Scale. It is a variety of chalcedony and a member of the Quartz family. The name chrysoprase comes from Greek meaning gold leek. Chrysoprase is also sometimes referred to as "Australian Jade".

Chrysoprase has some very interesting stories surrounding it. In the 1800’s for example, if you were a thief set to be hung or beheaded, you would immediately escape if you placed chrysoprase in your mouth. Of course this was difficult to do unless you happened to carry a piece with you, in which case you probably didn't need to be stealing.

Alexander the Great was also a fan of chrysoprase, and supposedly wore it in his girdle during battle to ensure victory.

Chrysoprase is one of the rarer members of the Quartz family and many people consider it to be a prized piece in their collections. Chrysoprase unique color comes from the traces of nickel found in it.

Chrysoprase, chrysophrase or chrysoprasus is a gemstone variety of chalcedony (a cryptocrystalline form of silica) that contains small quantities of nickel. Its color is normally apple-green, but varies to deep green. The darker varieties of chrysoprase are also referred to as prase. (However, the term prase is also used to describechlorite-included quartz, and to a certain extent is a color-descriptor, rather than a rigorously defined mineral variety.)

Chrysoprase is cryptocrystalline, which means that it is composed of crystals so fine that they cannot be seen as distinct particles under normal magnification. This sets it apart from rock crystal, amethyst, citrine, and the other varieties of crystalline quartz which are basically transparent and formed from easily recognized six-sided crystals. Other members of the cryptocrystalline silica family include agate, carnelian, and onyx. Unlike many non-transparent silica minerals, it is the color of chrysoprase, rather than any pattern of markings, that makes it desirable. The word chrysoprase comes from the Greek χρυσός chrysos meaning 'gold' and πράσινονprasinon, meaning 'green'.

Unlike emerald which owes its green color to the presence of chromium, the color of chrysoprase is due to trace amounts of nickel compounds in form of very small inclusions. The nickel reportedly occurs as different silicates, like kerolite or pimelite (not NiO mineral, bunsenite, as was reported before). Chrysoprase results from the deep weathering or lateritization of nickeliferous serpentinites or other ultramafic ophiolite rocks. In the Australian deposits, chrysoprase occurs as veins and nodules with brown goethite and other iron oxides in the magnesite-rich saprolite below an iron and silica cap.

A very similar mineral to chrysoprase is chrome chalcedony, in which the color is provided by chromium rather than nickel.

The best known sources of chrysoprase are Queensland, Western Australia, Germany, Poland, Russia, Arizona, California, and Brazil. The chrysoprase and Ni silicate ore deposit in Szklary, Lower Silesia, Poland, was probably the biggest European chrysoprase occurrence and possibly also the biggest in the world.

Chrysoprase helps to make conscious what was unconscious. It strengthens the workings of insight and the higher consciousness.  Ir encourages hope and joy, helps clarify problems, has been used as a cure for restlessness, protection on sea voyages.

Chrysoprase is used to speed the healing of any wound. It should not be placed on the body, but held over the affected area. Carry a Chrysoprase in a pocket to help heal. Also keep a Chrysoprase close to your bed at night to speed healing.

Chrysoprase is used as a shield or protector from negative energy. A small bowl of Chrysoprase kept by the front entrance of the home is a very wise procedure. If used in jewelry, Chrysoprase should only be set in silver and has more power carved in the shape of a heart.