The semi-precious stone chrysoprase is an opaque variety of quartz. Its main value is its rich green color. But it seems to glow from within, which is why it looks translucent. The mineral contains silicon dioxide and a small amount of nickel, which determines its unique color.
People have always associated the color green with nature. Perhaps this is why, since ancient times, various healing and magical properties have been attributed to the stone.
Story
The name of the stone was given by the ancient Greeks.
Translated, it means “golden leek.” In Ancient Greece, the gem was popular; portraits of heroes and idols were cut out of it, and amulets were made. In Egypt and Rome, chrysoprase was also used to make amulets, talismans, decorative items, and jewelry. Gems were used to decorate clothes and shoes. They were also used in the decoration of temples and homes of rich people.
According to legend, Alexander the Great never parted with a chrysoprase amulet during his military campaigns. There is written information that it had an image of the winged goddess of victory, Nike.
Several chrysoprase gems made by ancient Greek and Roman stone-cutters have survived to this day.
The ring with chrysoprase was worn by the Prussian king Frederick the Great, considering it a talisman of strength and good luck. His crown, inlaid with this gem, has also been preserved. In the 18th century, the stone became very popular in Europe. Church attributes, household items, furniture, and mosaics for decorating buildings were made from it. Much of this has survived in European countries to this day.
Physicochemical characteristics
Chrysoprase is a variety of quartz and chalcedony. It is a cryptocrystalline form of silicon dioxide.
Nickel gives the stone a beautiful green color. The color saturation depends on the amount of this impurity.
The mineral is hard, not brittle, and is valued in jewelry.
- Chemical formula - SiO2 .
- Impurity - Ni .
- Color: apple or grass green, bluish green.
- The shine is glassy.
- Transparency - from transparent to translucent.
- Hardness - 6,5–7,0.
- Density - 2.6 g / cm3 .
The last two properties, as well as the chemical formula of chrysoprase, are the same as those of chalcedony.
Place of Birth
Chrysoprase is not as common as other minerals. But its deposits are not concentrated in one or several countries, but are scattered around the world.
Where is the stone mined:
- Brazil;
- Tanzania;
- Australia;
- USA;
- Romania;
- Kazakhstan.
For a long time, Poland was the main supplier of chrysoprase. But over time, Polish reserves were depleted and now almost no one remembers about it.
By the way, Russia is also involved in the mining of chrysoprase. True, it is carried out exclusively in the western part of Siberia.
Types of chrysoprase
What does chrysoprase stone look like? It depends on what species it belongs to. In jewelry, this gem is assessed primarily by its degree of transparency. According to this criterion, each mineral belongs to one of the following types:
- Chrysoprase is emerald green, uniform. This is the highest grade or first group. The color is uniform, bright, and intense, which is why the stone is called the second emerald. Usually shines through stone thicknesses up to 5 cm . Used to make expensive jewelry.
- Apple green, uniform. First grade or second group. This look is paler and less translucent. Transparency - up to 2–3 cm . Non-transparent and whitish, as well as golden inclusions may be present in the area. Structure without drawing.
- Pale colored, spotted. Second grade or third group. The color is heterogeneous; bluish or yellowish shades may be present, as well as milky white spots. In the structure of the stone, translucent areas usually alternate with opaque ones. There are inclusions of manganese oxides, which sometimes form dendrites (branching structure formations). This variety is ornamental. Used to make cheap jewelry.
STRUCTURE
The crystal structure of chrychoprase, like other polymorphic modifications of quartz, is characterized by the peculiarity that the Si4+ ion is always in a quadruple environment of O2- ions located at the vertices of the tetrahedron. Each vertex of such a tetrahedron simultaneously serves as the vertex of another adjacent tetrahedron. Thus, the crystal lattices of these minerals consist, as it were, of frameworks of tetrahedrons linked to each other. The method of coupling in all modifications is the same (through the vertices of tetrahedrons), but the orientation and general symmetry in their arrangement are different. In general, the packing of oxygen ions is not dense: in the frameworks there are “voids” between the tetrahedra. In low-temperature modifications they are small in size, and in high-temperature, more “loosely” constructed modifications they are larger.
Medicinal properties
The use of a stone for medicinal purposes should not exclude treatment recommended by the attending physician.
The healing power of chrysoprase was discovered in ancient times. The mineral was used to charge water. was dropped into it for about 5 hours and used to treat ailments. Modern lithotherapists advise using this water in the treatment of colds and infectious diseases. They also claim that the stone will be useful for the following ailments:
- Visual impairment. It is recommended to set aside time every day to contemplate the gem (it is better if it is in the form of a hemisphere or prism).
- Insomnia. For a sound, healthy sleep, you can place a stone near the bed.
- Dysfunction of the nervous system. Chrysoprase relieves nervous tension, helps cope with depression and stress.
- Meteor dependence. Softens the health effects of magnetic storms and atmospheric pressure changes.
- Respiratory diseases. Helps with sore throats, suppresses asthma attacks.
Healers note other beneficial properties of chrysoprase:
- Improves brain function.
- Strengthens the immune system.
- Accelerates metabolism, reduces slagging in the body.
- Improves blood circulation.
- Increases performance.
Chrysoprase plates are used by Chinese doctors to treat dermatitis, etc. To cure diseases of the nervous system, lithotherapists install chrysoprase pyramids in a certain order on the patient’s body.
Healers warn: prolonged contact with the mineral can worsen health conditions and disrupt the functions of the gallbladder, which can lead to the formation of stones in it.
Magic properties
The significance of chrysoprase for humans is that it has strong not only medicinal but also magical properties. They are mentioned in legends and traditions.
It is believed that the magic of the gem protects the owner from dangers and contributes to his victories over enemies. The ancient tradition of decorating the weapons and armor of warriors with chrysoprase amulets has existed for more than two thousand years.
According to one legend, Alexander the Great, having dropped his chrysoprase military amulet into the river, lost its protection and died the next day.
In ancient times in Europe, this gem was used to charge water and use it for magical purposes. In the Middle Ages, chrysoprase was valued as a means of getting rid of evil spirits. There was also a belief that a person sentenced to death would be able to escape if he put this pebble in his mouth.
Chrysoprase has long been considered a symbol of victory, power, success, and prosperity. The magical power of the mineral is that it gives the owner energy for the right actions and protects against ill-wishers. The gem helps only purposeful, creative individuals; it is indifferent to passive people.
For a chrysoprase amulet to be effective, it must be worn so that it is not visible to anyone.
Chrysoprase is of great importance for a person who is confused in his feelings and actions. It helps develop intuition; so that in difficult situations the owner can make the right decision and implement it.
Chrysoprase can also serve as a talisman to help you find and keep love.
If the house has a talisman made of this stone in the form of figurines, it will protect both the home and household members from unwanted external influences. The gem has the power to ward off ill-wishers from home and, by activating positive energy, attract good people.
There is a belief that chrysoprase, feeling negative, darkens in the hands of an evil person. If it fades, this is a signal of approaching danger.
In the sun, the stone can fade and lose its magical properties. To restore the color, and along with it the magical power, you need to moisten the woolen fabric with well water, wrap the gem in it and put it in a warm place for a day .
If you purchase a stone as a talisman or amulet, choose a specimen that is uniformly green in color, without cloudy or dark inclusions.
It is believed that chrysoprase should not be worn:
- unmarried women;
- children, teenagers, since their psyche is not very stable;
- weak-willed people (he can lead them astray).
Chrysoprase enhances any character traits of its owner, including negative ones. Therefore, a person who has chosen this stone as a talisman or amulet must try to correct his negative qualities.
The gem should not be rubbed or crushed by hand; it should not be placed in the middle of the palm.
Jewelry with a cracked stone should not be worn.
If a pebble falls or gets lost, perhaps this is a sign that it is not energetically suitable for its owner.
Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?
Chrysoprase belongs to the blue element of Air, therefore it patronizes “air” signs (except Libra). Aquarius and Gemini in all their endeavors. The stone helps those of them who have pure thoughts and who try to work for the benefit of others.
Chrysoprase especially loves Aquarius , as they are especially committed to transforming the world for the better. It is believed that the gem will provide Aquarius with powerful protection from evil, help to find good friends, love, and good luck in business, including financial ones.
Chrysoprase is a stone that promotes change and transformation; it helps only those who are ready for active action and sharp turns in fate. If Aquarius is happy with what he has and is not ready to change his life, the gem will most likely interfere with him.
But Taurus overcome the fear of changes in life and relax. Having tuned in to a positive mood, a person will believe in himself and will act more energetically. All this will lead to positive changes in your activities and personal life.
Capricorn to tune in to the positive and relieve sad thoughts.
Those people who, according to the horoscope, belong to the signs of Pisces, Sagittarius, Virgo, will also find a helper and protector in this stone. Its energy will contribute to positive changes in their lives.
Aries and Scorpio have very strong energy, which can transfer to the gemstone, so they are not recommended to wear chrysoprase.
Astrologers do not have a unanimous opinion about Leo and Cancer
But each zodiac sign has its own lucky stones:
- for Libra - sapphire (orange, that is, padparadscha), citrine, smoky and rose quartz, spinel, malachite;
- for Aries - amber, ruby, emerald, tanzanite, carnelian;
- for Scorpio - moonstone, alexandrite, topaz, opal, labradorite, carnelian, sarder;
- for Leo - rock crystal, hawk's eye, spinel, agate, amber, ruby, chrysoberyl, diamond, black diamond;
- for Cancer - emerald, pearl, aventurine, moonstone, agate, cat's eye, alexandrite.
If you really like chrysoprase and are a passionate person, you can test yourself for compatibility with it. Perhaps he will react favorably to the active owner, regardless of the zodiac sign.
“My motto is just forward”
The routine of life is not for chrysoprase. If he were a man, they would say about him “he has a problem in one place”
