All About Chrysoprase Stone

Chrysoprase is a semiprecious stone. In ancient times, people endowed it with magical and healing properties. He has not lost popularity today and is widely used as ornamental material.

Chrysoprase is a rare and, perhaps, the most valuable of chalcedony. Mention of a translucent stone of the color of the first green "chrysoprase" is first encountered by Pliny in his historical treatise, published in 77 AD e. The name of the semiprecious stone comes from the Greek words "chrysos" (gold) and "prazon" (leek). In its current sounding, the term has come into scientific use since 1775 at the initiative of the German scientist I. G. Lehman, who compiled the description of the mineral.

A close relative of chrysoprase is agate, which belongs to the banded varieties of chalcedony. In it, parallel multi-colored layers diverge circularly, like waves on water. Chrysoprase differs from agate in the absence of pronounced layering. It is more homogeneous, it is precisely uniform color, brightness and purity that is appreciated in it, and in agate - a fancy pattern.

For jewelry, the mineral was used by the ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian masters. The stone served as an excellent raw material for jewelry, amulets, gems with portraits of famous people and drawings of mythological scenes. Ancient healers applied the mineral to sore spots to cure gout and various skin diseases. In case of mental disorders, the stone was applied to the temples. The ancients believed that if you look at chrysoprase for a long time, you can avoid nervous breakdowns, heart diseases.

The idea that the mineral helps to cleanse the body, eliminating toxins, stimulating the liver and strengthening immunity, has become established in antiquity. That is why even now the water infused with this mineral is drunk to improve the body and get rid of infectious diseases. At the time of knights and troubadours, stone was so appreciated that in some European countries “luxury” and “chrysoprase” were used as synonyms. Everything was decorated with a green mineral: housing, details of clothing and military ammunition, services. Countless expertly executed articles instructed by chrysoprase, from brooches and pendants to lornets and snuffboxes, have survived to this day.

This “onion” miracle goes well with precious stones, forming a unique color scheme. The stone is truly universal. In German Potsdam, the medieval palace of Sanssouci is adorned with a wonderful mosaic coating of chrysoprase. Many German churches are rich in products from this mineral.

Not inferior to the cities of Germany and Prague, where the walls and ceilings of chapels and cathedrals are decorated with many mosaics of the XIV century. It is from this time that chrysoprase begins to be widely used in many areas of art. We find elegant mosaic compositions in the chapels of St. Catherine in Karlstejn. The famous Karlstejn mosaic looks like a magic carpet. In Prague Castle, the Wenceslas Chapel also has magnificent rare mosaic coverings.

The history of stone abounds with interesting facts, legends and beliefs. In ancient times, chrysoprase was considered the talisman of victorious warriors. The stone was revered by Alexander the Great and carried the talisman with him, believing that it was a powerful source of energy, giving stamina and courage, capable of predicting the future. Greek artists invariably portrayed Macedon in a belt with a buckle adorned with chrysoprase. The inhabitants of ancient Rome believed that the owners of such a talisman were protected by Venus, granting infinite youth and acting as a guide to the heavenly abode of the gods.

The onion mineral was used as a talisman for rich people, supporting profitable deals and helping to avoid material damage. In Prussia, Frederick II wore a unique mascot ring with chrysoprase and, preferring the mineral to rubies and diamonds, he collected a significant stone collection in Sanssouci.

A gold ring with an unusual stone was worn by Catherine II. Elizabeth Taylor put on a wonderful chrysoprase (Daisy) parma, believing that she brings her luck.

In Moscow, in the halls of the Armory, there are many skillfully made chrysoprase inserts used in rings, pendants and earrings. Mineral in necklaces and bracelets looks amazingly beautiful. The cut of the mineral is widespread in the form of cabochons. The attitude to chrysoprase in different peoples is different.

• In the East, it has long been believed that if the owner of a chrysoprase is a liar, then the stone will certainly become dull with time and lose its valuable qualities. And with a good person, the same stone restores its aesthetic, physical and magical properties.
• To maximize the magical abilities of the gem in Europe, it is recommended to wear it deliberately so that the talisman is always in sight.
• In India, it is believed that in an evil person a mineral is able to transform bad energy into positive.

A mineral is a cryptocrystalline aqueous form of silicon dioxide, including a certain amount of nickel. It is this compound that determines its color. Opal impurities and individual inclusions of talc and serpentine may be present in the stone. Often, fragile sprouts of dendrites formed by manganese oxides are contained. Characteristics of the stone:

• hardness 6.5–7;
• average specific gravity - 2.6 g / cm3;
• the refractive parameters are 1.530–1.543.

As a geological aggregate, a mineral consists of the smallest grains of crystalline origin with a size of 0.5–50 μm, distinguished only with a microscope. Unlike other, less transparent types of quartz, the mineral is valued not so much for patterned patterns as for color. Chrysoprase is rich in all colors and shades of green.

Among the many-sided chalcedony, the “onion" stone is rightly considered the most impressive. It seems that high-quality specimens are covered with softly smooth transitions from bluish, giving away green gamut, to dense emerald shades. The stone makes you admire it. Allocate 3 grades of chrysoprase.

• Higher. Saturated green, homogeneous structure. It has a bright intense color. It is considered the highest quality raw materials for jewelers. Pieces of stone are clearly visible to a depth of 5 cm. The mineral may include clay particles and iron hydroxides in a dispersed state.
• First. Apple greenish, homogeneous structure. Translucent only up to 2 cm. May include whitish opaque spots. Without picture.
• Second. Pale shades with spots. Ornamental stone. Mostly bluish-green or yellow-green in color with a heterogeneous structure. In the color scheme of the mineral there may be whitish spots, as well as alternating transparent and opaque spots. Manganese mineral oxides sometimes form dendrites.

The material lends itself well to grinding and polishing, but it is difficult to bring the mineral to a mirror surface. The price range for products with this mineral is large, which determines its availability for different sectors of society. Widely used for making cabochons and inserts.

Chrysoprase deposits are a rare find. It is born in the course of silicification of rocks with associated hydrothermal formations. Contained in magma and sedimentary rocks, sometimes of placer origin. Often formed in the form of pedigree veins.

High-quality mineral is mined in Kazakhstan, in Romania, near Pristina, in Tanzania, Brazil (Goias state). The oldest deposit, developed since 1740, is located in Polish Silesia. Now it is exhausted, but other deposits have been discovered and continue to work nearby. The largest of them is Shklyary.

The Australian continent is rich in minerals. The largest chrysoprase deposit was discovered in 1963 in eastern Queensland. The deposit is unique in that the veins of chrysoprase in it are up to 10 cm thick and often reach tens of meters in length. Significant reserves are discovered in the western regions of Australia. A wonderful emerald-colored mineral is mined in Sierra Nevada (California).

In Zimbabwe, a mineral of the rarest color has been found: onion, grass, apple-green, which is due to small inclusions of chromium-containing components. They called it the location of the stocks with matorolite. Significant jewelry mineral reserves are rare. Of these, clusters can be distinguished in Poland, the USA, and the Russian Federation in the Urals, in some regions of Kazakhstan and Australia.

According to its talismanic and healing properties, onion mineral takes leading places among other minerals and has significant spiritual and psychological significance for humans.

• Chrysoprase is a talisman for leaders, it promotes the development of talents, determination, strengthens strong-willed qualities, and helps overcome uncertainty.
• It quenches obsessive anxiety.
• It helps strengthen the immune system, activates the brain, lowers blood pressure, is able to alleviate stress and eliminate chronic fatigue, and helps to normalize sleep.
• Increases physical and psychological stability.
• Prevents spoilage, resists depression, spleen, laziness.It is a mineral of positive and productive creative daring.
• Increases the energy of the body and normalizes the work of the cardiovascular system.
• Balances the hormonal system, contributes to the effective functioning of the reproductive organs.
• It acts as a ward from the evil eye, fears and nightmares.
• Helps protect against setbacks and dark envy.
• As a healer, he eliminates sorrowful states, heals from the consequences of unrequited love.
• Promotes the emergence and preservation of love and friendship.
• If the owner of the stone has large sums of money, then chrysoprase protects it from unexpected loss of money.

Chrysoprase has a beneficial effect on visual impairment. In cases of eye diseases, it is recommended to carry the mineral with you and apply a daily ritual of contemplating it. Resists insomnia.

Mineral is used to reduce sore throat and ears. It is useful for stopping asthma attacks. With sharp fluctuations in weather, magnetic storms and atmospheric pressure drops, the gem helps the body overcome the conditions caused by natural disasters.

Chrysoprase is a talisman for people with an inquisitive inventive mind, for creative individuals who are constantly striving for growth and development, ready to improve themselves and the world around them. Suitable mineral for athletes, travelers, for representatives of professions associated with risk. It is to people who lead an active lifestyle that stone brings success in all good undertakings. It is advisable to have it for people working with money, especially with large amounts.

The stone is equally suitable for both women and men. Especially it suits the green-eyed red-haired ladies who prefer the classic style with the dominance of black, white, yellow, beige and brown. The mineral gives women wisdom, men - strength and tolerance. Its versatility is due to the heterogeneous and rich color of the nuggets.

Chrysoprase allows a wide combination with other minerals and products from silver and gold. Jewelry with it can be worn with a pomegranate. The stone looks great in the finger ring. The mineral is also widely used as a round insert (cabochon) in a wide variety of jewelry. Chrysoprase beads are popular in the East.

The mineral has universal compatibility and works with all zodiac signs. Especially suitable for those born under the constellations of Cancer and Capricorn. Astrologers claim that chrysoprase is firmly connected with the air element of Aquarius. Almost every zodiac sign picks up the magical vibes of the stone. There are no contraindications to its use, but it is necessary to consider which of them the mineral is more suitable for.

• Chrysoprase is a powerful amulet for Aries.
• Slow Taurus, owning a mineral, they become more active, mobile and purposeful.
• Twins will become much calmer. A more noticeable mineral affects those who are prone to fuss and constant anxiety.
• Cancer it is better to use a stone as an amulet. It will grow cloudy in advance if this zodiac sign expects trouble, misfortune.
• Lions the wonderful properties of stone are weak.
• Virgin become wiser, more thoroughly analyze stressful situations, begin to think more rationally.
• To Libra the mineral is neutral.
• Scorpions stone makes more fortunate and happy.
• Sagittarius should wear a stone, set in silver.
• Capricorn mood will increase, they will overcome depressive symptoms. The mineral will help jealous and apathetic people.
• Aquarius closely associated with chrysoprase. Representatives of this sign will be able to achieve their goals, realize their innermost desires. Especially if Aquarius is honest and merciful.
• Fishes feed on the energy of stone, gaining new vitality.

Common fakes today are Chinese-made synthetics (ketsite). Often, as a chrysoprase, they sell an artificial cheap mineral painted in the required color with nickel salts. In addition, a natural mineral can be easily confused with another stone: emerald, cat's eye, jade or jadeite. To avoid cheating and mistakes when buying chrysoprase, it is important to have some knowledge.

• A real chrysoprase, or rather a product from it, does not cost less than 2-3 thousand rubles (if we purchase a product without metals: beads, bracelets from solid cabochons).
• The average volume of a natural gem is 2 cm3. Larger products offered for sale are most likely fake.
• In a mineral of natural origin, one can consider (using a magnifying glass) microbubbles, primary inclusions that are traces of natural growth. The synthetics have no such inclusions.
• Using a magnifying glass, traces of dyes can be seen in a fake.
• Synthetic ketsite, as a rule, has a more saturated and uniform color.

Artificially colored chrysoprase is called green onyx. It may have a lemon green or blue color. Green chalcedony mined in Zimbabwe, due to chromium impurities. It is commonly called green agate or morolite.. Separately, blue chrysoprase is isolated, which contains chrysocolla inclusions. Recently, a stone has a large number of imitations made from cheaper chalcedony. Imitation staining is performed using chromium or nickel salts.

In care, jewelry with chrysoprase is unpretentious, although caring and love will not be superfluous. To keep the stone in good condition, it is necessary to clean it with soapy water and wipe it with a soft cloth. Direct exposure to sunlight is harmful to the mineral. In bright sunshine, the color of the mineral may fade.

It is important to protect it from chemicals, solid objects and overheating. To give the chrysoprase a greater brightness and saturation, it is recommended to occasionally freeze it in a bowl with water. In this case, the process of defrosting should occur naturally, without forcing the process.

Many beautiful chrysoprase created products.

• Made by Van Cleef & Arpels Daisy’s talented jewelers for Elizabeth Taylor, it’s amazing. The actress firmly believed that the paryura brings her luck (photo 1).

• Men's ring. A similar ring was worn by A. the Great (photo 2).

• Gilded Daphne Necklace with Chrysoprase (photo 3).

• The mascot for young businessmen (photo 4).

• Necklace with chrysoprase saturated color (photo 5).

About the property of chrysoprase stone, see the next video.