Gem Library

BUYER’S OVERVIEW:
Chrysoprase is considered to be a semi-precious gemstone and is the most valuable member of the Chalcedonly family. While the availability of Chrysoprase is limited, good size, clear, natural stones are available. Deep colors are the most valuable, particularly a rich Imperial Jade-like, apple green. Chrysoprase is treasured in the Orient for its clean, even color.

COLOR:
Chrysoprase exhibits a narrow color range of light to medium yellow green.

APPEARANCE:
Semi-transparent to translucent and opaque.

SIZE RANGE:
1 – 20 carats, cabochons over 1000 carats are known.

TYPICAL CUTTING STYLES:
Semitransparent: cabochons
Translucent and Opaque: cabochons, beads and carvings

POSSIBLE ENHANCEMENTS & TREATMENTS:
Occasionally, lower quality material is dyed and can be detected by the unnatural color.

HARDNESS:
6½ on the Mohs scale.

BEST USE OF THE GEMSTONE:
Chrysoprase can be used in all types of jewelry.

CARE & CLEANING:
It is best to never expose colored gemstones to cleaning solvents or chemicals of any kind.
Common cleaning methods include:
Ultrasonic: not recommended
Steamer: not recommended
Warm soapy water: safe
Reaction to Chemicals: can be damaged by acids.
Reaction to Heat: stone may lose or change color.
Stability to Light: generally stable after prolonged exposure to sunlight or UV light.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THIS GEMSTONE:
Chrysoprase has been known since ancient times and most people have never seen such consistent, even colored gem material. The name Chrysoprase comes from the Greek words chrysos meaning ‘gold’ and prason, meaning ‘leek’. Darker varieties of Chrysoprase are sometimes incorrectly referred to simply as Prase. Chrysoprase is a cryptocrystalline form of chalcedony and is a very strong stone as it is made up of many very fine crystals. Easily the most valuable member of the Chalcedonly family, Chrysoprase is most sought after in a translucent apple-green color, free of inclusions. Lesser grades are typically opaque with white or black spinach manganese flecks and inclusions. Other members of this group are carnelian and onyx. Currently the best quality Chrysoprase comes from the Candala Chrysoprase mine, also known as the Marlborough Mine, located near Marlborough, Queensland, Australaia. Production started in the 1960’s and material is sometimes called ‘Australian Jade’, a colorful name but not correct. It is said the deposit covers a 50 square mile area. Most of the material is being sold in the Orient where the color green means supreme good fortune. Wealth and health will come to you. It s a Lucky gem and with Imperial Jade out of the reach of most, this is a good substitute.



DESIGNATION:
This gem has a long history but has no traditions currently associated with it.

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