What does natural chrysoprase look like?
This is one of the most ancient semi-precious stones used by man throughout history. Indeed, many studies have shown that ancient peoples such as the Greeks, Romans or Egyptians used it on a daily basis: for example, in the making of seals or jewelry, but also many other objects, be it household items or simply for aesthetics. Mention of chrysoprase can be found in various historical sources that have survived despite their age: You can see a description of chrysoprase in the work “Natural History” by Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD), a famous Roman writer and naturalist, as well as in an excerpt from Bible, which describes in detail the city of New Jerusalem: its streets, houses. Chrysoprase was found at the base of city walls, which were built from many semi-precious stones. Albertus Magnus wrote that the legendary Alexander the Great (356-323 BC), king of Macedonia and Greek conqueror, always wore chrysoprase on his belt during battle, apparently for good luck and military victory. He believed that chrysoprase cultivated wisdom and helped him make the right decisions during important strategic campaigns. This continued until, when crossing the river, a snake suddenly appeared and bit Alexander on the stone on his belt, the amulet fell into the water. As a result of this unsuccessful meeting, Alexander, despite intensive searches, could not find the stone and never won a single battle again. Much later, in the Middle Ages, chrysoprase was believed to have the power of invisibility: for this it had to be held in the mouth. Others saw it as a stone that could detect poison. For example, if the stone turned colorless, this would indicate the presence of poison near you. It was also common knowledge that the famous green stone had the ability to relieve certain diseases such as gout. Of course, Alexander the Great was not the only one who showed a special interest in chrysoprase stone: Frederick II of Prussia adored it so much that he wanted to use it to decorate his palace. Throughout each historical period, the mineral found very specific uses: in antiquity, the Middle Ages, and also in the Victorian era. In the last period it was worn on necks and fingers, that is, in the form of cameos, intaglios, beads or cabochons. Origin and composition of chrysoprase stone. Based on the history of the stone, it is not new to use chrysoprase for jewelry and other beautiful decorations (pendants, bracelets, necklaces). The advantage of this mineral is that it is ideal for different types of sizes, which is why, as in Victorian times, it is still found in cabochons, beads or even intaglios. Interestingly, the largest chrysoprase weighed 16 kilograms: this impressive specimen was discovered in Coolamon, a tiny Australian village of just over a thousand people, 400 kilometers southwest of Sydney. Australia has very beautiful deposits of chrysoprase. This is the most expensive and sought after chrysoprase variety due to its rarity. The first hypothesis about the origin of the mineral comes from the knight John Mandeville, an English explorer and writer of the 14th century: according to him, chrysoprase came from India. Unfortunately, the name “chrysoprase” itself does not help us establish the accuracy of this information, since the name comes from the Greek “Chrysos” and “Prason”, which translate as “golden” and “leek” respectively: It is worth noting that it is sometimes called “Venus stone” In any case, the name of the mineral itself is not recognized by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA). Chrysoprase, a mineral variety of a fibrous form of microcrystalline quartz called chalcedony, contains micro-inclusions of nickel as well as hydrosilicate: these two materials give it its color. Moreover, the color can vary from apple green to dark green, which is less common. Chrysoprase also occurs in very bright green or even almost white shades: therefore it looks more like jadeite, with which it is often confused. Origin of the name: chrysoprase translated from Greek means “golden leek” Group: microcrystalline quartz Chemical composition: silicon dioxide, SiO2 Crystal structure: Rhombohedral Hardness: 6,5 to 7 (Mohs scale) Deposits: South Africa, Australia, United States, India, Madagascar, Russia. Colors: Apple green, light green and bright green. Litho-therapeutic properties of chrysoprase stone. The mineral is known for its powerful qualities of compassion and kindness. Indeed, many agree that it helps to calm anger, to relieve negative feelings such as jealousy or injustice that burden us: it is therefore an ideal stone for the heart chakra and positive energies. This stone encourages moderation and allows the wearer to step back to gain clarity in perspective, as well as deal with a difficult situation: (very similar to how Alexander the Great used it). In short, chrysoprase increases self-confidence. Online store “Amazing in Stone”. Here you can find stones and minerals, fossils, products and souvenirs, stones for the interior, jewelry, ammonites, amethysts, minerals from all over the world. Our collection contains several thousand samples, it is constantly replenished and updated, and only a small part of it is presented on this site. In addition, thanks to the connections we have developed over the years with stone lovers in Russia and abroad, we can find almost any stone to order.
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A delicate green variety of chalcedony, used both to create souvenirs and in expensive jewelry from the most famous brands.
A mineral is a substance homogeneous in structure and composition that is part of a rock, meteorite or ore, formed in the earth’s crust or its water shell as a result of natural physical and chemical processes.
Jewelry stones (both precious and semi-precious) are beautiful and rare varieties of a particular mineral.
Chalcedony (quartz) Density
It is the ratio of the mass of a substance to the volume it occupies. When comparing two objects with the same volume, the one whose density is higher will be heavier.
2,6 g/cm³ Mohs hardness
A relative scale of mineral hardness, with Mohs 1 being the least hard and 10 being the hardest.
The standard for the greatest hardness is a diamond with a rating of 10 on the Mohs scale.
Shades of green from apple to bluish
History of chrysoprase
Since antiquity, chrysoprase has been revered as a stone of happiness and good luck. Alexander the Great himself wore chrysoprase on his belt buckle in all military campaigns, believing that it would bring him victory and protect him from the enemy’s sword.
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Frederick the Great, the Prussian king, greatly valued his chrysoprase ring, considering it a source of strength and wisdom. However, despite the veneration of the stone by the highest persons, its name does not differ in any sophistication – in Greek it means “golden leek”.
Physico-chemical properties of chrysoprase
Chrysoprase is an ornamental stone, a type of chalcedony (which, in turn, belongs to the varieties of quartz). The stone is characterized by a fairly high hardness: 6,5-7 on the Mohs scale.
From a chemical point of view, like all quartz, chrysoprase is silicon oxide (SiO2), however, it differs from them in the absence of a pattern on the cut and a delicate green color, which can have an apple, grass or bluish tint due to nickel impurities. With prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, the crystal may fade, and in order to restore color saturation, it is recommended to wrap it in a damp cloth for a while.
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Among jewelers, the most valued are translucent, uniformly colored emerald green chrysoprase with high light transmission (5 mm). Such crystals are considered high-grade jewelry raw materials and are most often used in jewelry. First-grade stones, which have an apple-green color and a light transmission limit of 2 mm, are valued a little cheaper; they may contain small opaque areas. Chrysoprase of the second grade is less transparent, has an uneven spotted color of bluish tones and is used only as ornamental stones.
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Chrysoprase deposits
Chrysoprase is formed in sedimentary nickel-bearing rocks as a result of hydrothermal processes and erosion, and is found mainly in placers
Deposits of chrysoprase are not numerous; for example, it is not found in Russia. Active production is carried out in Kazakhstan, Romania, Tanzania, Brazil, and the Balkan Peninsula. In addition, large deposits are located in Australia and in the Sierra Nevada mountains, USA.
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Healing and magical properties of chrysoprase
The stone has an inexplicable ability to distinguish between good and evil. Chrysoprase supports any noble intentions, helps to find allies and friends, promotes the implementation of honest plans, and protects the owner from the evil eye. It may suddenly become cloudy, thereby warning of approaching trouble.
Chrysoprase attracts money to itself, protects against unreasonable spending and theft. Esotericists believe that the brighter the color of the mineral, the stronger its magical properties are manifested.
Healers all over the world know chrysoprase as a natural source of health and strength for the whole body. Water infused with it was used to treat various infections and colds, improve immunity and general tone. Chrysolite improves metabolism and regulates the secretion of glands. It helps weather-dependent people cope more easily with magnetic storms and weather changes. In addition, the green color of the stone itself calms, relaxes and improves sleep.
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Who will benefit from the stone?
Chrysoprase is a talisman of inquisitive minds and inventors, people striving for tireless growth and development, ready to change themselves and the world around them. The stone will bring them success in all endeavors.
It is advisable for those who work with money, especially large sums, to have this gem with them.
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Jewelry educational program. Underwater rocks
Which zodiac signs are chrysoprase suitable for?
Astrologers, first of all, recommend the stone to Gemini, but it will be useful to Virgo: the mineral will bring good luck, help in solving complex problems and support.
Did you know that.
Chrysoprase was ranked among the precious minerals by Pliny the Elder in his treatise “Natural History” back in 77 of the XNUMXst century AD. e.
Despite the fact that chrysoprase can be sanded and processed very well, it is very difficult to bring it to a mirror shine.
In order for chrysoprase to bestow its owner with its support and beneficial effects, it should be worn only in silver.
