- What kind of stone: Ornamental;
- Deposits: Australia, Poland, Kazakhstan, Brazil;
- Colors: From bluish green to emerald green and apple green;
- Mohs hardness: 6.5-7;
- Transparency: Transparent to translucent;
- Density: 2.6 g/cm3;
- Formula: SiO2;
- Suitable for zodiac sign: Everyone except Scorpio, Leo, Libra and Aries;
- How much does it cost: from 5 to 15 $ per 1 carat.
Chrysoprase stone is usually classified as a group of ornamental, semi-precious minerals. It is famous for its magical, healing properties.
Many people choose this stone as a talisman. Even in ancient times, chrysoprase was considered a lucky stone: it was believed that it brings victories, good luck in business, luck and success.
Of course, the chic appearance of the stones also makes them popular: chrysoprase is sometimes even confused with emeralds, these green stones are so beautiful.
The mineral is in demand as a jewelry stone: beautiful jewelry is made with it. Most often, the gem is framed in gold and silver.
Origin story
Chrysoprase has long been known as an attractive semi-precious stone. It was used in Greece, Ancient Rome, and Egypt. Amulets and Hellas stones were made from chrysoprase: these products impress with their beauty, and at the same time, they are perfectly preserved.
Eastern healers also used the stone for a long time: with its help they treated nervous ailments and skin diseases. Doctors believed that it was possible to alleviate a person’s condition by applying chrysoprase to sore spots on the body.
It is known that chrysoprase became an amulet for famous historical figures. Macedonian himself considered it a stone of victory.
Even in ancient times BC, chrysoprase was a faithful companion of warriors. It is also believed that this semi-precious stone becomes an excellent patron in trade and business.
For many centuries, the mineral has been the best material for interior decoration, decorating rich houses, palaces of the nobility, as well as religious premises.
In the modern world, chrysoprase has become actively used in the jewelry industry. Jewelry looks really great with it.
Historical origins
Before buying an attractive piece of jewelry with greenish chrysoprase, it is better to know its history, the secrets that it has protected for centuries. It is generally accepted that the legendary Alexander the Great brought widespread fame, human love and increased attention to the gem. The commander always and everywhere preferred to carry the hundredth stone with him, considering it a powerful amulet and talisman.
There is also a beautiful magical legend associated with the stone. This talisman was always next to Macedonian, but literally the day before his death he disappeared. Some say that a snake stole it while the commander was swimming in the lake; there is also a version according to which the amulet was lost by accident. Of course, it is impossible to verify the authenticity of such facts, but no one forbids believing in a beautiful legend.
If we discard all the myths and beautiful fairy tales, then we can turn to archaeological facts. Scientists found the first specimens of jewelry during excavations of Egyptian settlements and cities. Chrysoprase was known and in Greece the stone was very loved there and was considered a real symbol of good luck, prosperity and well-being. In Ancient Egypt and Greece, beautiful statues were made from gemstones and used for mosaic panels.
King Frederick the Great had a special love for stone. He had a unique ring inlaid with chrysoprase. By order of the monarch, jewelry craftsmen made a crown decorated with green minerals. The cut that was used for such work later began to be called Friederian.
There was a new surge of love for chrysoprase already in the 18th century. Jewelers began to actively use the gem to create jewelry. Rich people could afford to have their houses lined with natural green chrysoprase.
The mosaic decoration of the Chapel of St. Wenceslas in the Czech Republic still fascinates tourists with its chrysoprase tints.
Physical properties
First of all, it is worth mentioning the basic physical properties of the mineral. Chemical formula of chrysoprase SiO2. It is a green variety of chalcedony. Inclusions of various nickel compounds determine the color of the mineral. It can be quite heterogeneous.
Here are the key physical characteristics of the stone:
- The crystals are translucent.
- The color is greenish, with blue streaks and shades.
- The density is 2.6 g/cm3.
- Hardness is in the range of 6.5 – 7.
- The shine resembles glass.
High transparency of minerals with a rich green color, close to an emerald hue. Heterogeneous stones may have natural patterns and spots.
Transparency depends on the individual instance. Light minerals can transmit light through a layer of 2 cm, and some specimens transmit color well even through a thickness of 5 cm.
Division by quality characteristics
Like all quartz, which includes chrysoprase and other representatives of the “chalcedony family,” the chemical composition of this mineral is based on silicon oxide, and the admixture of nickel makes the green shades characteristic of chrysoprase more saturated. The physical properties of chrysoprase are completely identical to those of chalcedony.
The main criterion by which jewelers divide stones, including chrysoprase, into subgroups is the level of transparency of the specimens. Based on this characteristic, the variety of a particular sample is determined:
- Top grade. The stones are a rich emerald green color with a transparency of 5 cm. Such samples are used in the manufacture of luxury jewelry in combination with diamonds and other expensive minerals.
- First grade. Uniform (occasionally with slight yellowish inclusions) apple-green specimens with a transparency of up to 3 cm.
- Second grade. Pebbles of pale heterogeneous color, having a variety of shades, from blue to yellow, which is due to limonite and manganese impurities. Usually used in the production of cheap jewelry.
Colors and types
Chrysoprase attracts with its depth, translucency, and subtle tints of shades.
In most cases, the color of the mineral resembles an unripe apple; it also has emerald, bluish, turquoise and mint shades. Also, there are specimens with dark tones that indicate nickel compounds.
Chrysoprase bracelet of different colors
It is customary to divide chrysoprase into 3 main types according to color:
- Emerald: this type is the most valuable, characterized by high transparency and depth of shade.
- Apple green: this stone is less translucent and may have opaque inclusions.
- Heterogeneous, spotted: specimens are ornamental and have less value.
Emerald
Apple green
Heterogeneous
Semi-precious chrysoprase is often distinguished by pure tones and bright shades. They can be lighter or darker, but they always have a blue tint.
When some specimens have a rich color, are highly translucent, and are perfectly cut, they can easily be confused with a precious emerald. They are almost as beautiful as him.
Minerals with heterogeneous colors also have their advantage - they clearly show a unique natural pattern. Each piece of jewelry with such a stone will be absolutely exclusive.
How to spot a fake
Sometimes the cost of lower grade chrysoprase is unjustifiably inflated, sometimes synthetics are sold under the guise of natural stone. Nowadays, the most popular fake of green chalcedony is catsite, a Chinese synthetic mineral that has an even and deep color.
By the way, it is quite difficult to distinguish it from natural jewelry, therefore it is better to buy costume jewelry exclusively in stores that have a state license. And many people confuse chrysoprase with other stones - emerald, jasper, jade. So what distinguishes a natural mineral from an imitation?
Firstly, the price. This, of course, is not a panacea for purchasing counterfeit items, however, jewelry made from natural chrysoprase will definitely not be cheap. However, for some, beads costing 2-3 thousand rubles are not a significant blow to the wallet.
Secondly, the sizes. Chrysoprase is a medium-sized stone. The size of the average specimen is approximately 3 cm3.
And natural minerals are also growing. And signs of this growth, bubbles and feather inclusions, are clearly visible if you examine the sample with a magnifying glass, under which, by the way, you can also see dye particles if the buyer is looking at a fake.
Magical properties, meaning
Since ancient times, chrysoprase has been credited with magical properties.
The mineral is widely used in yoga. Chrysoprase is believed to have a positive effect on the chest chakra (this is the area of the heart). In the Middle Ages, the stone was considered to bring victory.
There are interesting observations in Eastern magic. Many centuries ago, people were convinced that chrysoprase was able to warn of bad intentions and a person’s deceit.
When a stone reaches such a person, it begins to darken and become cloudy.
Also, chrysoprase has the following properties:
- It saves you from nightmares and restores normal sleep.
- The mineral restores relationships between people, makes them softer and more patient, protects them from conflicts and misunderstandings.
- A beautiful stone can awaken tenderness and love in a person.
- Chrysoprase can be an excellent source of optimism, self-confidence, it tones and puts you in a positive mood.
- A semi-precious stone can bring financial well-being, success in business and business.
- Chrysoprase is also beneficial in friendly relationships.
Now hereditary fortune tellers note that chrysoprase may well return peace, mutual understanding and prosperity to the home.
In addition, it can be used to check the honesty of a man’s intentions: this is very useful for girls who doubt the important step of starting a new relationship.
The rich green tint of chrysoprase also plays a significant role.
This color has the following advantages:
- Restores emotional balance.
- Creates a positive mood.
- Gives confidence and willpower.
- Provides rationality, a reasonable view of things, and can help make the right decision in a difficult situation.
The stone is unable to influence evil, negative, unbalanced and vile people. At the same time, he helps those who are honest and open. The mineral has a strong effect against unnecessary risk and adventurism.
You should choose just such a semi-precious stone as a talisman if important negotiations are coming up, you need to find like-minded people, reliable friends. Chrysoprase in silver is ideal.
The stone is optimally suited for financiers, business people, lawyers, as well as innovators in various fields, inventors, and people of creative professions.
Chrysoprase or peridot?
These minerals are very similar in name and color. However, chrysolite and chrysoprase are different stones. The first is transparent and looks like bottle glass. It is fragile in processing. And the second is translucent, with a matte sheen and more naturalistic green shades. It withstands cutting and grinding better. Another important difference is that peridot under artificial light becomes incredibly similar to emerald. Chrysoprase lacks this ability.
Particles of chrysolite were discovered in the chemical composition of a meteorite that fell on the territory of our country in the 18th century. Therefore, the mineral is often meaningfully called a stone of unearthly beauty. This stone is traditionally mined from a rock called peridot , which is an iron-magnesium ore. Its more sonorous name olivine indicates the color - olive or greenish-brownish.
Unlike chrysolites, chrysoprase is very easy to process. Polished cabochons have a matte sheen that is very rare in nature.
Anyone who has no evil in his thoughts can count on the support of this handsome stone man.
In the world of stones, it is generally accepted that the mineral patronizes victorious warriors. The great king and commander Alexander the Great wore polished stone plates on his belt and firmly believed that the magical properties of the chrysoprase stone helped him foresee the plans of his enemies and anticipate dangerous situations on the battlefield.
In the Middle Ages, the price of the mineral rose above the price of gold. To this day, medieval chrysoprase mosaics remain an example of mosaic art.
The Prussian ruler Frederick the Great decorated his crown with this stone. He believed that the mineral fed him energy.
To this day, green stones decorate church utensils and icons.
Like other precious stones, chrysoprase is widely used in jewelry. It is beautiful both on its own and surrounded by other gems. It is readily used for inlaying weapon butts, furniture, snuff boxes, caskets, and interior items.
Medicinal properties
Chrysoprase has been used in alternative medicine for many centuries. People have long been confident that this mineral has unique properties and is extremely beneficial for health.
Here are the problems for which wearing chrysoprase is recommended:
- The mineral relieves pain in the throat and ears.
- Stabilizes the functioning of the thyroid gland.
- Helps with problems with the respiratory system and asthma.
- Restores normal metabolism.
- May improve vision.
- Helps with all kinds of eye diseases.
- Useful for rheumatism.
- Relieves joint pain and stops tissue destruction.
- It is advisable to wear chrysoprase for inflammation and infectious diseases.
- The mineral helps in the fight against stressful conditions and relieves depression.
- You can cope with overwork and achieve toning of the body.
- Chrysoprase also has a beneficial effect on the body during hormonal imbalances that occur due to age-related changes.
It has been noticed that chrysoprase even has a beneficial effect on blood pressure: you can stabilize it if you regularly wear jewelry with the mineral.
It has long been believed that it is very useful to contemplate chrysoprase, especially with patterns, in a deep green tint.
In this way, people achieve improved vision, get rid of pain in the eyes, fatigue, and the feeling of being filled with sand.
Chrysoprases with delicate light green and mint shades are of great benefit: they can relieve nervous tension and stress. If you follow the science about the benefits of minerals, you must definitely use chrysoprase to restore normal sleep and get rid of nightmares.
There is also a technique that helps relieve inflammation and prevent the development of infections and colds. The stone is dipped into water and then kept in the sun for about five hours.
Such water will then have healing properties and will be able to strengthen the immune system.
It is important to remember that the stone cannot be used for a long time. It is necessary to take breaks in therapy using this mineral.
Properties and uses of chrysoprase
Chrysoprase without multi-colored inclusions is used in the jewelry industry. Cheaper spotted varieties are used to create figurines and original costume jewelry.
Spotted specimens are used for fine grinding of precious and semi-precious stones. Such tools are expensive.
Previously, stone was used for interior decoration. Now only millionaires can afford such a luxury.
Lithotherapists and psychics actively use the mineral. They endow it with magical and healing properties.
Physicochemical characteristics
Chrysoprase is a type of crystalline quartz. Its chemical formula is SiO2 (silicon silicate). The composition contains a large amount of gelled nickel, which gives it green tints.
The gem is quite hard. On the mineralogical scale it is assigned 7 points. It doesn't break when dropped.
Average density 2.6 g per cubic meter. see. The gem has a trigonal system.
There are both transparent and opaque specimens. They have a glassy sheen. The color ranges from apple green, grass, mint, blue green or emerald. Some specimens have inclusions of other rocks.
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Medicinal properties
Lithotherapists use chrysoprase to cure a number of diseases. The stone has a number of medicinal properties:
- Sharpens vision. To do this, it is recommended to look at the stone daily for half an hour.
- Helps cope with insomnia. The crystal is placed on the nightstand near the bed.
- Eliminates respiratory diseases. To get rid of the problem, you need to wear pendants or beads made of gemstones.
- Improves psycho-emotional state. To do this, meditate on the mineral, imagining how its energy envelops the body.
- Reduces susceptibility to weather changes. If you feel discomfort, you need to hold the stone in your right palm.
- Improves heart condition. To do this, the gem is placed on the chest in the area of the heart chakra.
Chrysoprase infusion has special healing powers. To prepare it, the stone is filled with clean water and left in the sun for 3 hours. This medicine helps with the following problems:
- colds, flu;
- infectious diseases;
- dermatological diseases;
- disruption of brain activity;
- rheumatism;
- postoperative period;
- chronic fatigue;
- pain in the ENT organs;
- pain in the joints;
- disruptions in metabolic processes;
- high or low blood pressure;
- hormonal imbalances caused by age-related changes.
For skin or eye diseases, wash with an infusion of water containing a gemstone. In other cases, they drink it.
Doctors do not recommend using the mineral for long-term treatment. It is believed that in this case it negatively affects the functioning of the gallbladder and leads to the formation of stones in the bile ducts.
The magical properties of chrysoprase
Since ancient times, chrysoprase has been attributed magical properties. Previously, it was believed that this stone could lead to victory in battles, maintain power and respect of subordinates.
Modern psychics also believe that the gem has strong energy. They recommend wearing such a talisman to anyone who wants to succeed and open their own business.
Magic properties:
- The stone favors young people. It helps them set priorities correctly, easily remember new information, and set the right goals. Any new beginnings with such an amulet will be successful.
- The gem attracts true friends, a soul mate. For women, chrysoprase is especially useful, as it helps to understand the intentions of a partner.
- An amulet in the form of a figurine or a ball is worth keeping in your home for already formed couples. It helps to maintain harmony in the family, avoid quarrels and falsehood.
- Children are advised to place chrysoprase under their pillow. Such a talisman will not allow unpleasant dreams to disturb your sleep.
- A small pebble in a businessman’s pocket will help him get rich and make the most profitable deal. It will protect him from the envy of competitors or lies from his partner.
Chrysoprase awakens the best qualities in good people. He makes them tender, loving, caring, brave.
It is believed that an amulet made of a green mineral can warn its owner of danger. If a serious threat arises, it will become cloudy.
As the stone turns pale, it loses its magical properties.
If the gem was stolen or obtained fraudulently, then it will not only not help its owner, but will also attract failure. If the jewelry was given as a gift or passed down from generation to generation, then its energy will be the strongest.
It is better to choose stones framed with silver as a talisman. Unprocessed specimens that will be carried in a pocket in a small bag are also suitable.
To watch a video review on the topic of stone properties:
Suitable by zodiac sign and name
Astrologers recommend paying attention to horoscope compatibility when choosing amulets. Then the amulet will definitely protect its owner and will not cause harm.
Chrysoprase compatibility:
- The stone is not suitable for Leos, Scorpios, Aries, Libra. These signs naturally have strong energy that will compete with the energy of the gem.
- Cancers, Geminis, Virgos, Sagittarius, Capricorns usually do not have enough of their own energy for accomplishments. The talisman will give them the necessary nourishment.
- Chrysoprase suits Taurus and Aquarius best. It helps them to relax, attracts good luck and success.
The gem is demanding not only of the zodiac signs, but also of the owner’s name. With perfect compatibility, its effect will be most pronounced:
- Vyacheslav. The stone gives him wisdom, the ability to find the best way out of any situation.
- Yuri. With the help of an amulet, the bearer of the name will reveal such qualities as patience, generosity, endurance, and curiosity.
- Maksim. The gem will help strengthen the spirit and body. Will help in any endeavor.
- Anastasia. The girl will receive many opportunities for self-improvement and career growth.
- Semyon. With a green amulet, a person will not know defeat; luck, success, and true friends will always be on his side.
Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?
Let's find out which zodiac signs really benefit from wearing chrysoprase, and who should avoid contact with the stone altogether:
- Capricorns, Aquarius and Pisces should definitely wear chrysoprase. The mineral is ideal for them.
- Sagittarius, Virgo, Cancer and Taurus, Gemini need to be careful with this stone. It suits them significantly less.
- But the mineral can even cause harm , Leos and Libra, Aries They shouldn't use it.
For signs of the first group, chrysoprase can become the best patronizing stone. It will enhance all positive energy and repel negative energy. As you can see, the horoscope matters here.
Talismans and amulets
Talismans and amulets with chrysoprase have great power. Even in ancient times, people wore amulets made of this stone.
They protect from the evil eye, any negative energy, and bring good luck and success. Jewelry with minerals also become talismans: these can be rings, beads, cufflinks, earrings and other things.
Magically attractive
The inexplicable properties of the stone to attract success and money make it a fetish for many financiers. From time immemorial, it was considered the stone of people associated with finance. It just so happens that most people associate money with the color green. Perhaps due to the color of the mineral.
It is believed that chrysoprase products bestow good luck and help to achieve prosperity. Many believe that the stone is suitable not only for protection against deception, but also to keep its owner from bad deeds.
Chrysoprase in jewelry: how to wear?
The mineral combines optimally with gold and looks great in silver, as well as platinum. Earrings with rings, beads with necklaces, and cufflinks are made from it.
It is believed that you can wear single items with chrysoprase, sets, and large sets of several items.
But the best solution is to have one favorite thing with chrysoprase, which you will wear to all important events, meetings, and at some key moments. For example, it could be a ring or bracelet.
Valuable jewellery
Jewelers have always liked the way a stone looks, how it can be processed and how it looks in the finished product. It has a very attractive, deep and delicate shade that has found admirers all over the world.
Craftsmen also like to work with the mineral because it looks great in inexpensive products. Today on the market there is a huge amount of attractive jewelry that can decorate various looks and will always look decent.
Of course, jewelry made of silver and gold, inlaid with chrysoprase, has many fans around the world; at all times, noble and rich people gladly supplemented their collections with such accessories.
You can roughly determine the cost of products with such a stone:
- gold earrings with chrysoprase can cost around 24 thousand rubles, but for the same pair, made in the budget segment, you will need to pay no more than 1200-1500 rubles;
- for a gold ring with a natural stone you need to pay about 8-20 thousand rubles. The price may be higher or lower, it all depends on the weight of the product, but for an alloy jewelry the seller may ask about 900-1000 rubles;
- a gold bracelet with precious inserts is very popular with many women; for such a product you will need to pay around 37 thousand rubles, of course, the cost may be higher, but for attractive jewelry of this kind you will need to pay from 2 thousand rubles or less, it all depends on the quality alloy used;
- a high-quality gold pendant with a precious stone in a boutique will cost no less than 18 thousand rubles, but a budget item in gold plated will not exceed the cost of 2000 rubles.
Jewelers also like to frame the gem in fine silver. Such options look very attractive and have an affordable price, which is important for many. With proper care, the metal and the stone itself will not fade, but will retain their original appearance for a long time.
Men do not shy away from such jewelry either. For representatives of the stronger sex, craftsmen are happy to create original rings, bracelets or even cufflinks. Such decorations will not only add variety to the usual sets, but will also become a real magnet for wealth and career growth.
How to distinguish from a fake?
To distinguish a stone from a fake, pay attention to the price: it should be adequate, and not extremely low. In addition, the size of the crystals matters: in nature they are usually small, around 2 centimeters.
When the stone is real, you can see through a magnifying glass areas of heterogeneous color, inclusions of bubbles or “feathers”. Imitation often has an unnaturally rich color.