Chrysoprase

Chrysoprase rough stone, colored intensely green by the addition of cerolite

Chrysoprase as tumbled stone

Chrysoprase (from the Greek : χρυσός chrysos = "gold" and πράσον prason = "leek") is a variety of the microcrystalline quartz variety chalcedony and therefore has the same chemical, physical and optical properties as this. Chrysoprase can be found in the serpentinite veins near Szklary in Poland .

Chrysoprase has an apple-green to emerald-green color due to the addition of the nickel-containing talc kerolite , which can, however, fade over time under the influence of heat and sunlight. This aging can be stopped or reversed by moist storage.

Chrysoprase is a popular but sensitive gemstone that is often imitated with the help of green-colored agate , which, according to CIBJO regulations , must be stated.

literature

• Article author: Chrysoprase . In: Paulys Realencyclopadie der classischen Antiquity Science (RE). Volume III, 2, Stuttgart 1899, Col. 2518 f.
• Edition Dörfler: Mineralien Enzyklopädie , Nebel Verlag, ISBN 3-89555-076-0
• Walter Schumann: The new BLV stone and mineral guide 6th edition, BLV Verlags GmbH Munich 2002, ISBN 3-405-16441-9

Web links

Commons : Chrysoprase  - collection of images, videos and audio files

• Mineral Atlas: Chrysoprase
• Gem Etiquette - Chrysoprase