gemstone
Chrysoprase
Chalcedony (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, apple-green to dark green color, waxy to vitreous luster, and microcrystalline quartz structure with no visible cleavage.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, apple-green to dark green color, waxy to vitreous luster, and microcrystalline quartz structure with no visible cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Formed via the precipitation of silica-rich groundwater in weathering zones above nickel-bearing serpentinites, typically during the Cenozoic era.
Uses & applications
Used primarily as a semi-precious gemstone in jewelry, for ornamental carvings, and as a collectible mineral specimen.
Geological facts
Its vibrant green color is imparted by microscopic nickel-bearing inclusions rather than chromium. It was prized by the ancient Greeks and Romans for intaglios and signet rings.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinct apple-green hue, conchoidal fracture, and lack of crystal faces; commonly found in Australia, Germany, Poland, and the USA.
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