Chrysoprase
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Physical & Optical Properties
Category
Semi-Precious Gems
Mohs Hardness
6.5 – 7.0
Specific Gravity
2.58 – 2.64
Refractive Index
1.53 – 1.543
Crystal System
Trigonal
Cleavage
None
Color
various
Pleochroism
Absent
Mohs Hardness
Mohs Hardness: 6.5 – 7.0
1 Soft10 Hard
Crystal System
Value & Market
Price Tier
Moderate ($50-500/ct)
Where to Buy Chrysoprase
Blue Nile
Fine jewelry retailer
James Allen
Gemstone jewelry
Brilliant Earth
Ethically sourced gems
Amazon
Wide selection
Links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Cultural Significance
Birthstone Month
5 (alternative)
Treatments
Dyed green (chromium) - chelsea: pinkish to reddish. Might be dyed with nickel-rich solution: standard tests limited - Blue Chart Gem Identification, Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, 2010, p 7
Grayish chalcedony is soaked in mixture of water, acid, chromium or nickel compounds, then heated and dryed. This will create a material with green to bluish green colour. - GIA 2019
6.5 to 7Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
2.58 to 2.64Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
BrittleWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
NoneWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
1.530 to 1.543Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
Uniaxial/+Ulrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004)
up to to 0.004Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
AbsentWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
NoneWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Colored by nickel: (yellowish)-greenHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
GreenishHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
Green colour is caused by microscopic inclusions of silicates with Ni-bearing layers (willemseite, n�pouite, etc).Gemdat.org, Management Team (2012) More from other references
Translucent,OpaqueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references
NoneWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
TrigonalUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004)
Microcrystalline aggregatesWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Chrysoprase - Locality: Unknown
Chrysoprase information at mindat.org
Myanmar
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
Poland
Gemstones of the world, Walter Schumann (2001)
USA
Tucker, W. Burling (1919), El Dorado, Lassen, Modoc, Tehama, and Tulare Counties: California Mining Bureau. Report 15: 911; MacFall (1951), Gem Hunter's Guide, 1st ed.; Goodwin, Joseph Grant (1958), Mines and mineral resources of Tulare County, California: California Journal of Mines and Geology (Report 54): 54(3): 344; Murdoch, Joseph & Robert W. Webb (1966), Minerals of California, Centennial Volume (1866-1966): California Division Mines & Geology Bulletin 189: 318; Pemberton, H. Earl (1983), Minerals of California; Van Nostrand Reinholt Press: 350, 424.
Kunz, George Frederick (1899), Precious stones: Mineral Resources U.S., 1898: 589; Tucker, W. Burling (1919), Tulare Counties: California Mining Bureau. Report 15: 911; Murdoch, Joseph & Robert W. Webb (1966), Minerals of California, Centennial Volume (1866-1966): California Division Mines & Geology Bulletin 189: 318.
About Chrysoprase
Chrysoprase is the most valuable variety of chalcedony, displaying a distinctive apple-green to vivid green color caused by trace amounts of nickel rather than chromium. The finest material historically came from Szklary, Poland, and was beloved by Frederick the Great of Prussia, though today Australia (especially Queensland) is the primary commercial source. Its smooth, homogeneous green color without inclusions or veining makes top-grade chrysoprase among the most striking of all semi-precious stones.
Jewelry Use
Durability
6/10
Science FYI Family
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chrysoprase?
Chrysoprase is the most valuable variety of chalcedony, displaying a distinctive apple-green to vivid green color caused by trace amounts of nickel rather than chromium. The finest material historically came from Szklary, Poland, and was beloved by Frederick the Great of Prussia, though today Austra
What is the hardness of Chrysoprase?
Chrysoprase has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7.0, making it moderate for use in jewelry.
What color is Chrysoprase?
Chrysoprase is primarily Various.
How much does Chrysoprase cost?
Chrysoprase falls into the Moderate ($50-500/ct) price range. Prices vary based on color, clarity, cut, and origin.
Is Chrysoprase a birthstone?
Yes, Chrysoprase is the May birthstone (alternative).