The Apple Green of Chrysoprase
Chrysophrase
Chrysoprase, chrysophrase or chysoprasus 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.
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.
One of the reasons that Chrysoprase is so rare is due to the fact that it is a cryptocrystalline, this means that instead of being formed by large six sided crystals, the size of the crystals are extremely small and invisible to the naked eye. This attribute gives is much rarer in nature, as well as more beautiful.
Chrysoprase can come in many sizes. However, since it is rare is usually hard to come by and is generally used for smaller pieces of ornamental jewelry. During the Middle Ages, it was mined in Silesia (Northern Czech Republic and Southern Poland), the Chrysoprase that was mined were used as architectural decorations, mainly in major churches. One of the more popular places to find Chrysoprase is in Australia where it is mined (Queensland, Western Australia). It is usually sold as Australian Jade, due to its resemblance to this gemstone.
Chrysoprase helps to make conscious what was unconscious. It strengthens the workings of insight and the higher consciousness.It encourages hope and joy, helps clarify problems, it also has been used as a cure for restlessness and become a protection on sea voyages. Chrysoprase is said to be the favorite gemstone of Alexander the Great.