Chrysoprase, the green-apple hued beauty of the crystal world, is one of my favorite crystals. Consequently, I search for it whenever visiting a crystal shop or crystal event. But because Chrysoprase specimens are expensive and therefore hard to find, many crystal seekers aren’t familiar with this crystal.
Chrysoprase’s name comes from the Greek words, chrysos (gold) and prasinon (green). And if you’ve yet to encounter the ever elusive Chrysoprase, you’ve been missing out. For the luminous quality of this crystal is almost hypnotic, in that it draws your eye inside it. And that my friend, is why you become hooked on Chrysoprase.
Chrysoprase‘s Mineralogy
Chrysoprase is a gemstone quality chalcedony with nickel deposits. Moreover, Chrysoprase is classified as a crytocrystalline silica, meaning its crystals are too fine to be seen without magnification.
Although nearly opaque specimens exist, most Chrysoprase on the market is translucent to nearly transparent, with a luminous waxy-green surface. Where Emerald’s green hue comes from its chromium inclusions, Chrysoprase’s green hue comes from its trace nickel compound inclusions. Additionally, this crystal often exhibits brown areas or streaks from goethite (iron oxide) inclusions.
Chrysoprase registers a 6 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, and is a member of the Trigonal Crystal System. Additionally, this crystal features a translucent surface with a waxy luster.
In recent years, the majority of high quality Chrysoprase comes from Australia and consequently carries the nickname, “Australian Jade.” But prior to the 14th century, Poland was the largest producer of Chrysoprase until its high producing Szklary mine was depleted. However, in addition to Australia, Chrysoprase deposits are found in Germany, Russia, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, India, Madagascar, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Brazil, as well as U.S. Arizona, California, and Oregon.
Chrysoprase’s History
Historically, Chrysoprase was fashioned into jewelry and inlaid in various ornamental objects of the ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman empires. In fact, the Greek King, Alexander the Great of Macedonia is rumored to have worn a Chrysoprase adorned belt during all his successful military campaigns.
Unfortunately, legend states that while bathing in the Euphrates River a serpent bit the stone off King Alexander’s unattended belt and dropped it into the water to be lost forever. Consequently, Alexander never won another campaign after losing his good luck talisman.
Additionally, Chrysoprase is mentioned in the Christian Bible’s Book of Revelations as the 10th of the 12 stones of the New Jerusalem.
Buyer Beware
Recently, I’ve encountered a crystal fairly new to the market, Australian Variscite (pictured on the above right), which is almost the same waxy green-apple color as Chrysoprase. And though similar in color, Variscite gets it green hue from chromium inclusions, while Chrysoprase gets its hue from nickel. Moreover, where Variscite features tan areas and streaks, Chrysoprase features brown and black areas and streaks. And where Variscite is most often opaque, Chrysoprase is most often translucent. However, both crystals are beautiful. In fact, I’ve mixed them in one of my own necklace set creations and the difference is negligible.
Additionally, there may be glass and resin copycat Chrysoprase pieces on the market, especially in polished beads and cabochons. Consequently, it’s recommended that one always purchase crystal specimens from a reputable vendor.
Fortunately, there are many cell phone apps that will identify a crystal as authentic or fake. Although, they aren’t 100% accurate, they can weed out the most obvious fakes.
Mind-Body-Spirit Healing Benefits of Chrysoprase
In general, crystals possess healing energy beneficial for the Mind, Body, and Spirit. And Chrysoprase is a true example of this quality.
Mental-Emotional Benefits
Chrysoprase’s green color enables it to open the Heart Chakra promoting compassion and empathy for others and their struggles. Consequently, it promotes forgiveness and an altruistic attitude aiding closure to broken relationships. Additionally, Chrysoprase’s Heart energy stimulus balances emotions chasing away sadness and depression. And by doing so, this crystal frees feelings of joy and optimism which attracts love to its user.
However, Chrysoprase has an equal effect on the Solar Plexus Chakra instilling a sense of self-worth and confidence. Consequently, it strengthens the Solar Plexus’ personal boundaries. This makes Chrysoprase a strategic crystal to use for Heart Chakra work. For a far too opened Heart Chakra with weak Solar Plexus boundaries leads to being taken advantage of.
Physical Benefits
Chrysoprase’s detoxing effect is helpful for all types of skin issues, such as, dermatitis, acne, fever blisters, eczema, and psoriasis. Additionally, this crystal is helpful for detoxing body organs, such as the liver and gall bladder. And being a water element crystal, Chrysoprase strengthens the kidneys and bladder and helps heal degenerative issues.
Moreover, due to its important Heart Chakra connection, Chrysoprase is helpful for health issues related to this Chakra, i.e., heart and lung problems. And its emotional balancing effect helps ease stress related illnesses.
Spiritual Benefits
Chrysoprase connects one to divine universal love, fostering deep spiritual growth. And bringing one’s life purpose and heart felt desires to light.
Additionally, this crystal is uniquely connected to the natural world, plants and animals, as well nature spirits, underscoring a sense that “all are one.”
Common Uses of Chrysoprase
Healing
For healing purposes Chrysoprase can be laid on the body, around the body in a grid, or worn on the body. Additionally, Chrysoprase gem elixir may be taken as 3 drops on the tongue, 3 times per day.
Spiritual Practice
For spiritual purification, meditate while holding a piece of Chrysoprase making a connection to the universe’s great love and benevolence.
And meditating with a piece of Chrysoprase on the Heart Chakra and another on the Solar Plexus Chakra, connects the two seemingly opposing Chakras. For empathy with personal boundaries is optimum.
Additionally, Chrysoprase can help one connect and communicate with nature spirits and devas. This connection facilitates receiving spiritual wisdom pertaining to the natural world.
Decor
Raw Chrysoprase pieces as well as polished balls, pyramids, and obelisks make beautiful decorative objects around the home and upon an altar.
Jewelry
Due to Chrysoprase’s hardness, it’s suitable for cutting and polishing for all manner of jewelry pieces, such as pendants, earrings, bracelets and beads.
Final Words for Chrysoprase – The Green-Apple Hued Beauty
I hope you will add a Chrysoprase specimen to your collection, for I know you will cherish it as much as I do mine. As always, thank you for reading.
FYI: If you are interested in becoming a Certified Crystal Therapist see my Crystal Therapist Certification Home Study Course on my energy healing school website, Reiki Essence Institute.
Very Interesting; gotta add to my collection – IF I ever come across it. Thank you!
Good luck on your Chrysoprase search. And thank you for reading.