gemstone

Chrysoprase

Silicon Dioxide (Chalcedony variety), SiO2

Hardness: 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Apple-green to deep green with possible brown matrix spots; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline quartz); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.61

Hardness: 6
Color: Apple-green to deep green with possible brown matrix spots
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified July 31, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed by the aqueous solution of nickel-bearing silicates or serpentinites during weathering or hydrothermal alteration, typically found in nickel-rich weathering zones.

Uses & applications

Used extensively in jewelry, for making beads, cabochons, carvings, and ornamental objects.

Geological facts

Chrysoprase gets its distinct apple-green color from trace amounts of nickel rather than chromium or vanadium. It was historically prized by the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians for use in signet rings and cameos.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its vivid green color and conchoidal fracture. Common localities include Australia, Germany, Poland, Russia, Arizona, and California. Highly valued by collectors and lapidaries.

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