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Chrysoprase

Quartz

By Tim Matthews, JD, FGA, GG, DGA,
CEO and President of JTV (retired)
Published: June 2014
Modified: September 2023
Chrysoprase Polished Chrysoprase Rough Chrysoprase Jewelry
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Table of Contents
  • General Information
  • Chrysoprase Colors
  • Countries of Origin
  • Care

One of the most coveted varieties of chalcedony quartz, chrysoprase is prized for its apple green color and rarity. Chrysoprase's name comes from the Greek words chrysos meaning “gold,” and prason meaning “leek,” due to its color similarities with the vegetable. The color is natural and due to nickel. The color may fade if the material is exposed to heat or sunlight and might be restored if stored in water. If the chrysoprase is found within brown or white matrix it is called chrysoprase matrix.

General Information

  • Classification
  • Optical Properties
  • Characteristic Physical Properties
  • Chemistry & Crystallography
Common Name
Chrysoprase
Species
Quartz
Transparency
Semitransparent - Translucent
Dispersion
Strength: None
Refractive Index
1.535-1.539
Birefringence
0.004
Optic Character
Uniaxial
Optic Sign
Positive
Polariscope Reaction
Aggregate (AGG)
Fluorescence
SWUV: Inert
LWUV: Inert
Pleochroism
Unobservable
Hardness
6.5-7
Streak
White
Specific Gravity
2.550-2.700 Typical:2.600
Toughness
Varies
Luster
Vitreous, Greasy
Stability
Good
Fracture
Conchoidal, Granular
Cleavage
None
Chemical Name
silicon dioxide (aka silica)
Chemical Formula
SiO2
Crystal System
Trigonal
Chemistry Classification
Silicate

Chrysoprase Colors

  • Green Chrysoprase
    Green

Countries of Origin

Tanzania, United Republic Of; Myanmar; Argentina; Russian Federation; Japan; United States of America; Madagascar; Kazakhstan; Portugal; India; Spain; Unknown; China; Brazil; Poland; Australia; Peru; Germany; Greenland

Care

Normal Care, stones may fade if exposed to heat or sunlight.

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