CHRYSOPRASE

CHRYSOPRASE

The name Chrysoprase is from Greek, Chrysos means "golden" and Prason means "apple" or "leek."

It is a form of chalcedony and it is sometimes translucent with colours ranging from apple green to deep green due to nickel oxidization. Though darker color is considered more desirable, once it reaches a certain depth, it will no longer be identified as chrysoprase, but rather as another variety of Chalcedony known as Prase.

The colour of chrysoprase may fade if it is exposed to prolonged heat and strong sunlight. So, make sure to keep your chrysoprase away from these harsh elements.

Chrysoprase deposits are found in Australia, India, Kazakhstan, Madagascar, Russia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Tanzania, Brazil and in the United States (Arizona and California). The best chrysoprase is mined in the Marlborough Creek District of Queensland, Australia.

Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used this stone to make seals and ornamental jewelries. It was considered the sacred stone of Greek goddess Aphrodite. Alexander the Great had worn a girdle that contained a lucky chrysoprase stone that helped him win battles. He believed that the stone protected him of all evils. Once his chrysoprase was stolen by a serpent, he started losing battles.

In the early 18th century, chrysoprase was believed to be a stone for dreaming and that it had hypnotic powers. In times of trouble with the law, they believed that by keeping the stone in the mouth, they would be able to escape punishment or become invisible.

This gemstone was also loved by Queen Ann, King George I, II & III and was the favourite gem of Queen Victoria.

Chrysoprase is a highly spiritual stone. According to the Book of Exodus, it was one of the sacred stones found in Aaron’s breastplate.

Chrysoprase has the power to banish greed, selfishness and folly. It also brings happiness and success in business.

Chrysoprase calms irritation and it rouses one to action and adventure as it stimulates creativity and hope.

The stone is also good for the eyesight. It was believed that by gazing at the stone when the moon was full, it could heal any eye ailments.

Chrysoprase is the birthstone for May and a crystal of Venus. It is a stone of compassion as it activates both the heart and solar plexus chakras and helps to promote emotional balance. Chrysoprase is a great healing tool for working on inner child healing.

As with all forms of chalcedony, chrysoprase has a hardness of 6–7 on the Mohs hardness scale.