Chrysoprase semiprecious gemstone index and mineral information

Chrysoprase is considered the most valuable stone in the chalcedony group; with a translucent apple-green color.  Its name derives from the Greek chrysos and prason, meaning “golden leek,” and was probably applied originally to a lighter or more yellowish chrysoprase.  The microscopic fine quartz fibers have a radial structure. The coloring agent is nickel.

Chrysoprase may lose its color in the sun, and in a lighter color green it is often confused with fine jade in cut stones.  It was used by both the Greeks and Romans in ancient times.  It was very popular in the 14th century when Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV decorated chapels with chrysoprase, including the Chapel of St. Wenceslas in Prague. Chrysoprase was also the favorite stone of Frederick the Great of Prussia and of Queen Anne of England.

Long ago, the deposit of (Frankenstein Zabkowice) in Upper Silesia, Poland, was the most important mine.  Since 1965 the best quality of chrysoprase comes from Queensland, Australia.  Also in a lesser amount it is found in the Ural Mountains of Russia and in California and Brazil.

Chrysoprase is used as cabochons, for necklaces, and for ornamental objects.  In earlier centuries, it was used as a luxurious decorative stone for interior decoration, such as in the Wenceslaus Chapel in Prague and in Sanssouci Castle in Potsdam (near Berlin).

Chrysoprase is often confused with chrome chalcedony, jade, prasopal, prehnite, smithsonite, variscite, and artificially colored green chalcedony.

Mohs’ Hardness: 6.5- 7