CHRYSOPRASE.

Green and brown polished Chrysoprase crystal

Phoenix Rising

Chrysoprase is the burn it all down and start over, kind of crystal. It’s the sister who always has your back, encouraging you to fight for your independence, leave that toxic relationship, start that new business, and rise like a Phoenix. When fear and anxiety hold us back it's often our inner child in need of reassurance, this heart-healer crystal is perfect for making you feel nurtured and ready to kick ass. No matter how small you feel, you can soar again. Chrysoprase attracts good luck, abundance, happiness, and new beginnings. Rock star, you got this.

The name Chrysoprase comes from the Greek words “chryos” (golden) and “prase” (leek - the vegetable) referring to Chrysoprases’ golden green colour, although most modern sources are more apple-green. The Greeks and Romans revered this crystal for its beauty and calming energy and it is said Alexander the Great would wear it into battle.

Chrysoprase is a variety of Chalcedony and forms as a mass or as micro crystals. As a type of Chalcedony it is a “cryptocrystalline” Quartz, this means the crystals that form its structure can’t be seen under a normal microscope. Its beautiful green colour comes from Nickel and the more translucent the specimen, generally the more valuable. Chrysoprase is mined in California in the US, the Ural Mountains in Russia, Brazil, Madagascar (more recently), and Poland, with some of the finest specimens coming from Queensland, Australia.

Chrysoprase mask from the Toltec culture, Mexico ca. 950 - 1150 CE, from the British Museum

Chrysoprase mask from the Toltec culture, Mexico ca. 950 - 1150 CE

© The Trustees of the British Museum

Buyer’s Guide to Chrysoprase

Private Buyers

When I am buying Chrysoprase for myself I tend to lean towards the polished variety. I am looking for a nice tumble or piece of jewellery with a lovely colour and a little yellow/brown line inclusion, but that’s my personal preference. Chrysoprase Chalcedony is best for jewellery as it is much more durable.

Look for a good polish, strong colour, and no chipping. Lower grade Chrysoprase can be quite soft so look for robust pieces. If you are buying raw then it often comes in sort of a slice, like an ice cream sandwich, with the Chrysoprase in the middle with thin crusts of yellowish mother stone top and bottom. This can be surprisingly expensive. Again look for a good strong colour.

Raw Chrysoprase from my Aunt’s collection.

Retail Buyers

Chrysoprase retails well as people are drawn to its beautiful colour. Smaller tumbles and jewellery sell best, the raw will take longer to shift but it always finds the right home eventually. Things to keep an eye out for are: Chrysroprase is sometimes called Jade Quartz referring to its similar colour; often pale chalcedony/agate is dyed green and some unscrupulous dealers may try to pass this off as Chrysoprase to the beginner buyer.

Quick Guide | Chrysoprase

Zodiac: Chrysoprase is associated with the zodiac sign Gemini.

Ruling Planet: Chrysoprase’s ruling planet is Venus.

Chakra: Chrysoprase is associated with the Throat (Vishuddha) and the Heart (Anahata) Chakra.

Element: Chrysoprase is connected to the Water element.

Crystal Charging: Chrysoprase can be charged overnight under a full moon or in a freshwater stream. It is a very spiritual stone so blessing with Sweetgrass or Palo Santo smoke works well.

Crystal Elixir: Chrysoprase is “generally” safe for use in a crystal Elixir. Chrysoprase is a form of Chalcedony and thus a cryptocrystalline form of silica with Nickel (the green colour). It is best to use Chrysoprase in its tumbled form to avoid any leeching Nickel into the water (Nickel is safe up to 0.1 mg per litre).

Crystal Care: Chrysoprase can be cleaned in warm (not hot to avoid a thermal shock) soapy water but to avoid damaging the surface do not use any harsh chemical cleaning agents. You can clean Chrysocolla with a soft dry cloth, a soft make-up brush, or a compressed air duster.

The chemical formula for Chrysoprase: SiO₂ + Nickel