Chrysoprase
Chrysoprase
is the most valuable stone in the chalcedony group. The microscopic
fine quartz fibers in it have a radial structure. Its green color is
the result of staining by nickel oxide compounds of the stone.
The name chrysoprase has been derived from a Greek word "chrysos
prason," which mean gold leek. It is said to be a "Victory
Stone." In the 18th century, as said, thieves used to become
invisible by keeping the stone in their mouth.
Chrysoprase gemstone is of very fine translucent green color and
texture. It is sometimes mistaken for green Imperial jadeite. With
many similarities with jadeite, chrysoprase is sometimes marketed as "Australian
Imperial Jade."
The hardness of the stone is 6 1/2 to 7 and is known for its specific
metaphysical characteristics. It sooths headache and loneliness,
promotes emotional balance and grants inner strength and peace. It
also lead a person to greater confidence and give relief to gout, eye
problems and mental illness.
The stone occurs in serpentine rocks and in weathered materials of
nickel ore deposits as nodules or fillings of clefts. Australia (New
South Wales region), Brazil, India, Kazakhstan, Madagascar, Russia
(the Urals region), Zimbabwe, South Africa, Tanzania, and California
has a good deposit of Chrysoprase.
 
|
Name |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Chrysoprase |
6.5 |
2.58-2.64 |
Hexagonal |
None |
1.544-1.553 |
Up to +0.004 |
None |
V Weak |
None |
|
