Chrysoprase

Chrysoprase is the closest relative agate and carnelian, and each represents a kind of chalcedony. However, every stone lover knows agate and carnelian, and chrysoprase is not so widely known. This is unfair, because all gemologists indicate that this stone is the most valuable variety of chalcedony, including more valuable than agates and carnelians. Its color is apple-green, which is sometimes also defined as grass-green or onion-green. Onions are even present in the name of the stone - the Greek name chrysoprase means golden onion (chrysos-gold, prazos-leek). It is not entirely clear why here is also the yellow color of gold, perhaps earlier in Greece this name was designated by another gem. So often it happened in the history of the stone. Chrysoprase can lose its color from prolonged exposure to sunlight, but it recovers if it is held for several days in water or wet ground.

Chrysoprase is the closest relative agate and carnelian, and each represents a kind of chalcedony

Fig. 1. Chrysoprase (Kazakhstan).

As a jeweler and ornamental stone, chrysoprase was used even in Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, but especially loved it in the 18th century. In jewelry, he was the central stone, around the edges was framed with diamonds. Valued quite expensive. It is known that he was the favorite stone of Prussian King Frederick II, who constantly wore a ring with chrysoprase and even decorated one of the crowns. For this stone, a special cut was invented. In the 19th century, this gem was also used to decorate interiors. An example of this is the chapel of St. Wenceslas in Prague, the palace of Sanssouci in Potsdam.

Chrysoprase was worn and as an amulet from a bad eye, slander, envious. It was believed that he gives endurance and courage, and contemplation of him reduces the pain in his eyes.

Chrysoprase was worn and as an amulet from a bad eye, slander, envious

Fig. 2. Chrysoprase.

Chrysoprase deposits are known in several countries. For a long time, the largest deposit was Zombkovice in Upper Silesia (Poland), which was developed from the 14th century. Now it is mined in Australia, Brazil, India, Madagascar, USA, South Africa.

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