Although not considered precious, the mineral is still considered rare and has beneficial properties. For this, it was valued by the ancient Greeks and loved by modern lithotherapists.
From our article you will learn how this stone differs from others, how to care for it and who it is suitable for according to the horoscope.
Origin story
The mineral owes its fame to the greatest commander of history - Alexander the Great, who used the stone as a talisman.
The conqueror of the world wore chrysoprase on his belt, believing that it helped make decisions, gave him courage, strength and endurance. An old legend says that the day before the death of the commander, a snake stole the talisman while the Macedonian was bathing in the river.
A little later, the stone became popular with the ancient Greeks, who made jewelry from it, carved portraits of idols and heroes, and wore it as an amulet. Translated from ancient Greek, chrysoprase means “golden leek.” The name is a little strange, although if you look closely, you will notice some similarity of the mineral with leek leaves.
The medieval fashion for jewelry with minerals was started by Emperor Frederick the Great. Along with Macedonsky, he believed that the talisman brings good luck, strength, and endurance.
The fashion quickly spread among the courtiers - chrysoprase became a symbol of wealth, patronage, and power. More than two centuries later, the stone was considered an unchangeable and obligatory attribute among the nobility.
They didn't stop at making jewelry. The mineral began to be used as a facing material, using it in the decoration of palaces.
Temples in Germany and Austria still preserve some relics of bygone times - chalices, cups, gem altars. Tourists see stone mosaics in the Potsdam Sanssouci Palace, as well as in the Prague Chapel of St. Vaclav.
How much does it cost and where to buy chrysoprase
The recommendation on where to buy real chrysoprase, which contains the magical properties inherent in the stone, is very simple: you should buy jewelry and amulets in reputable stores that value their reputation as serious experts and honest sellers, and there are many of them in the country.
Contact, for example, the Mineral Market store. Here they will tell you how much a real stone costs. Prices vary significantly. Friendly consultants will help you choose an affordable piece of jewelry, a collectible, a craft or an amulet. [Total votes: 21 Average: 3/5]
Mineral deposits
Chrysoprase is not as common in nature as other minerals. The main small deposits are scattered across the territories of the following countries:
- Romania.
- Balkan Peninsula.
- Brazil.
- Tanzania.
- Kazakhstan.
- Western part of Siberia.
Large deposits are located in the Sierra Nevada mountains (USA), as well as in Australia. New discoveries included mining sites in India and on the island of Madagascar. Previously, Poland was the world supplier of chrysoprase, but there are no more stone deposits left in the country.
Physical properties
Chrysoprase is a crystalline form of silicon dioxide. This mineral is a translucent variety of chalcedony and quartz. The presence of nickel in the chemical composition gives the stone its beautiful green color. The gem is not fragile, hard, valued by jewelers.
| Property | Description |
| Formula | SiO2 |
| Impurity | Ni |
| Hardness | 6.5-7.0 on the Mohs scale. |
| Density | 2.6 g/cm³ |
| singonia | Trigonal. |
| Shine | Glass. |
| Transparency | From transparent to opaque. |
| Color | Apple green or grass green, bluish green. |
Catsite
Catsite
Not long ago, a new, high-tech fake appeared on the jewelry market. A “stone” of rich green color is offered either as chrysoprase or chrysoberyl.
In fact, this is a new polymer - catsite. It seems that its unknown creators were inspired by modern fiber optic technologies. After all, catsite is a compressed alloy of the finest silicate fibers placed on a colored matrix. The fibers are so thin that, according to experts, in one synthetic pebble their total length is several kilometers!
Thanks to this nanostructure, catsite has the property of a “cat’s eye,” which is reflected in its name.
An artificial gem is inexpensive if the catsite is offered without deception, under its “polymer” name. In this case, it is worth purchasing for your home collection of amazing technological achievements of the 21st century.
Medicinal properties
The healing power of chrysoprase was discovered by ancient healers (lithotherapists). They used the stone to charge water by dropping a piece of the mineral into a vessel containing liquid.
The water became healing and was used to treat various ailments. Modern lithotherapy resorts to this ancient method in the treatment of colds and infectious diseases. In addition, chrysoprase helps in the treatment of such diseases:
- Visual impairment. People suffering from eye diseases are advised to carry the stone with them and also to practice the ritual of daily contemplation of the mineral.
- Insomnia. Traditional healers advise placing a stone near the bed to achieve sound, healthy sleep.
- Dysfunction of the nervous system. People prone to depression, stress, and nervousness will benefit from the healing power of chrysoprase.
- Respiratory diseases. The mineral is used to relieve pain in the throat and ears, as well as to suppress asthmatic attacks.
- The influence of weather changes. Many people suffer from magnetic storms or changes in atmospheric pressure - the gem will help them more easily survive the vagaries of nature.
Also read: Phosphosiderite - a fragile semi-precious stone
It is believed that the mineral enhances the energy of the intimate sphere and improves blood circulation. According to the teachings of Yoga, a stone placed near the heart chakra zone for half an hour improves the functioning of the heart.
Important! Lithotherapists warn that using the stone for too long will reverse the effect of the mineral - the body’s condition will worsen, the function of the gallbladder will be impaired, and this can lead to the formation of stones.
In addition, the gem improves brain function, speeds up metabolism, and removes toxins from the body. The mineral is used in the treatment of rheumatism, and a medallion with a stone will help you recover after surgery.
The mineral owes most of its abilities to its natural green color, which gives the stone such powers. The gem has a positive effect on a person’s energy, improves mood, relieves chronic feelings of fatigue, increasing the body’s endurance. But the amazing abilities of the mineral do not end there.
Health Importance
Since ancient times, green has been considered the color of healers. People belonging to this caste did not always wear green clothes, but often used green-colored minerals. Perhaps this influenced the emergence of such associations.
An amulet made from a green gem will help overcome insomnia.
However, even modern experts confirm that green has a positive effect on the psyche. In ancient times, they also believed that green stones could heal.
Medicinal properties of chrysoprase:
- restores vision (to achieve positive results, you need to meditate while looking at the mineral);
- reduces blood pressure (useful for hypertensive patients, hypotensive patients need to be more careful with it);
- relieves headaches (for this it is recommended to wear beads or a pendant);
- improves sleep - helps you fall asleep quickly, drives away nightmares (to achieve this effect, the stone must be left under the pillow overnight);
- treats respiratory diseases (decoration in pendant format helps with this).
Having seen such a useful talisman, you can lose your head and start wearing it constantly. But lithotherapists do not advise doing this. There is an opinion that when worn for a long time, chrysoprase causes gallbladder dysfunction. To avoid trouble, remove it at night.
Magical properties of the stone
Since ancient times, chrysoprase has been a stone of success, money, victory and power. The power of the mineral is to give the owner energy that encourages him to take the right actions, while protecting him from negativity from ill-wishers.
It is worth noting that the gem cannot help passive and lethargic individuals. Energy is intended only for purposeful, creative people striving to reach new heights.
Chrysoprase is an open stone of accomplishment and innovation. If a person is ready to live life grandly, on a grand scale and in luxury, he simply needs an amulet with a mineral.
Astrologers recommend wearing such amulets for people whose work is related to power and money. The talisman will protect them from envious people and unfriendly competitors, will help them concentrate on work, and not forget about responsibility.
This is interesting! People have long noticed that chrysoprase is able to warn the owner about impending danger from the environment - the mineral becomes cloudy and dark, which signals trouble.
The mineral will be a good assistant in love affairs. The amulet will help those who have not yet found their soulmate, as well as people who had to go through a breakup. Figured talismans or figurines will bring harmony to family relationships and protect the home from envious people.
The gem is suitable for protecting babies - such an amulet protects children from damage, the evil eye, and bad dreams.
Interesting facts about the stone
At all times, chrysoprase has been quite popular. It was used to decorate clothes, statues and even buildings. For example, stone was used to decorate the Chapel of St. Wenceslas and the Chapel of St. Catherine. Very often, this type of chalcedony was used to decorate church utensils.
Since ancient times, it has been believed that the mineral warns its owner of danger by changing color. When something threatens the owner, the stone dims, sometimes darkens. It reacts similarly if its carrier is an evil or deceitful person.
Compatibility with other stones
From a decorative point of view, we combine chrysoprase with transparent stones, as well as black minerals.
As for pendants and rings, it is better to choose products with a massive cabochon without the proximity of other gems. The ideal tandem is chrysoprase and small diamonds. A categorical no to combination with agate, jasper, garnet and sardonyx.
Both silver and gold are suitable for the frame. However, when viewed from the point of view of magical and healing properties, the stone is better revealed in a silver frame.
For procedures aimed at improving heart function, chrysoprase enhances its effect when combined with rose quartz.
Jewelry with mineral
Chrysoprase is loved by jewelers for its attractive color and ease of processing, which helps create incredibly beautiful jewelry.
Both jewelry masterpieces and inexpensive costume jewelry are made with mineral inserts, which makes it possible to purchase jewelry to suit the taste of all segments of the population.
The price levels for the products are as follows:
- earrings cost from 1,200 rubles for jewelry, but gold ones reach 24,000 rubles per pair;
- an alloy ring will cost close to 900 rubles, and gold rings range from 8–20 thousand rubles;
- a gold bracelet with inserts can cost a fashionista 37 thousand rubles, which cannot be said about costume jewelry - from 2000 rubles in gold plated, if alloyed, then even cheaper;
- a pendant or pendant costs 1,500–2,000 rubles in gilding, and an elite-class piece of jewelry costs from 18,000 rubles.
Also read: Agate - a gift from the island of Sicily
Every fashionista likes such jewelry. Men choose massive rings that attract wealth and career growth.
PURCHASE AND CARE
Due to the rarity of chrysoprase, it is easy for inexperienced buyers to make a mistake in choosing it. In addition, the mineral requires special care.
Instructions for smart purchasing
Astrologers say that a favorable time for buying is at the turn of spring/summer and autumn/winter.
It is best to purchase an amulet on the 28th lunar day.
At the same time, the lunar calendar is not the only guideline for acquiring the mineral.
Since the main value of chrysoprase is its color and uniformity, it is advisable to select the stone in bright light. This way the buyer will have the opportunity to evaluate the shade, purity and light transmittance of the stone. This will also allow you to distinguish the original from fakes or similar stones.
Buying chrysoprase
Color varieties
Miners and jewelers distinguish three types of chrysoprase of different quality, respectively, differently valuable:
- Emerald green. The highest grade stone in the jewelry industry. Chrysoprase is a translucent mineral, but such a 5-centimeter wide stone is capable of transmitting a light ray through itself.
- Apple green. Paler, less translucent. This is a first-class stone, lower in cost than emerald.
- Spotted. A second grade mineral used for making handicrafts or jewelry. This is a species with a heterogeneous structure and spotted inclusions.
In jewelry, chrysoprase is considered a semi-precious stone, the most valuable among other varieties of chalcedony.
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.
How to distinguish a fake?
The most common counterfeit is gems made from Chinese synthetics - catsite. And also cheap and common minerals, colored with nickel salts in the desired color, are often passed off as chrysoprase.
In addition, chrysoprase can simply be confused with another mineral - emerald, cat's eye, jade or jadeite. To prevent this from happening, you should know the following:
- products made from natural stone do not cost less than 2–3 thousand rubles (if we are talking about a pure product without metals - beads, bracelets made of solid cabochons);
- The average size of a natural gem is 2 cubic centimeters. Those that are much larger are fake;
- In every natural mineral, microscopic bubbles or feather inclusions are visible through a magnifying glass - traces of natural growth. There are no such inclusions in synthetics;
- with the help of a magnifying glass, traces of dyes can also be seen if another mineral is colored under chrysoprase;
- fake catsite is always a rich, uniform color.
The best way to protect yourself from fake jewelry is to buy the product in a specialized, trusted store. It is difficult for an ordinary person to recognize a fake, especially from a cat site, so value your time and money.
All shades of green
Chrysoprase veins run through the rocks, accompanying deposits of cobalt and nickel ores.
Chrysoprase
It is the nickel ions that give it its beautiful green color. The color intensity directly depends on the concentration of water-nickel inclusions. They are located in the structure of the stone in the form of microscopic bubbles filled with complex solutions in the form of a gel. These gel droplets are visible only at tens of thousands of times magnification in electron microscopes. Together they refract light rays, reflecting the green part of the spectrum.
In the structure of one vein, the color of a translucent mineral can smoothly change from white to deep emerald, subtly flowing through all shades of green.
Pure, uniform green chrysoprase with high levels of transparency is a rare unique item, highly valued by both jewelers and collectors. In most finds, impurities of opal, talc, and serpentine reduce the jewelry quality and decorative properties of chrysoprase. The stone loses its green color intensity and transparency. This chrysoprase is used for inexpensive crafts. In industry, the mineral is used as an abrasive material for grinding and fine polishing of products.
Rules for caring for mineral products
Chrysoprase is easy to care for. Like other stones, this mineral needs careful treatment and love. Preserving a gem for a long time is simple:
- You can clean the mineral with soapy water and then wipe it with a soft cloth;
- the stone is undesirable to be exposed to direct sunlight;
- It is also better to protect the gem from chemicals and solid objects;
- The stone will also not like overheating.
To make the mineral brighter and more saturated, you can occasionally freeze it in a container of water. Defrosting should be independent - no need to heat the container or pick out the stone from the ice.
Care instructions
The mineral is sensitive to humidity and exposure to sunlight. Due to its hardness, it rarely cracks if handled carelessly. However, in order to preserve the original appearance of chrysoprase, you need to adhere to some rules of care:
- Do not leave the stone exposed to light for a long time. Because of this, it fades. However, the rich color can be easily restored by wrapping the mineral in a damp cloth.
- You can clean the jewelry using a soap solution. After the procedure, it is recommended to wipe the product dry with a soft towel or napkin.
- The use of chemicals is prohibited. Contact with such a product will inevitably lead to damage to the product. It will not be possible to return the stone to its former condition.
It is generally accepted that amulets cannot be kept in a box on a permanent basis. For a full magical and healing effect, the amulet requires contact with air and nature.
How to wear products with mineral correctly?
If you buy jewelry with chrysoprase, take into account the fact that you will have to wear the product often. This mineral does not like to be shelved - the gem needs to be regularly displayed and worn in plain sight so that it does not lose its magic.
In addition, if the product is purchased as a talisman, it is better that it be framed in silver. Expensive gold jewelry is perfect for demonstrating luxury.
Also read: Howlite - the stone of “eternal students”
The ideal owner of chrysoprase is a green-eyed beauty with red hair. In clothing, the classic style is preferable, with an advantage of black, white, yellow, beige and brown.
There is an opinion that jewelry with a mineral should not be worn by unmarried girls and women.
To buy jewelry with a gem, it is better to choose the 28th lunar day at the end of spring or early autumn. This is the time of maximum activation of the energy of the mineral; however, you should not wear jewelry on the day of purchase.
If you choose an uncut stone as a talisman, you need to carry it in a bag. The stone should be picked up with your fingers; it should not be placed on your palm, crushed or rubbed in your hands. A cracked gem can no longer be worn. If a stone is inherited, it has special energy. Stolen or secondhand chrysoprase will only bring misfortune.
Compatibility with names and zodiac signs
Astrologers consider chrysoprase one of the most peaceful minerals, without prohibiting any of the zodiac signs from wearing a talisman. However, there are those constellations that the stone protects, and for some the gem will not become an assistant, except perhaps as a decorative adornment.
Zodiac compatibility
(“++” – the stone fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated):
| Zodiac sign | Compatibility |
| Aries | — |
| Taurus | ++ |
| Twins | + |
| Cancer | + |
| a lion | — |
| Virgo | + |
| Scales | — |
| Scorpion | — |
| Sagittarius | + |
| Capricorn | + |
| Aquarius | ++ |
| Fish | + |
Chrysoprase patronizes the air element, more than others the sign of Aquarius. Each representative of the sign will receive support in their endeavors from the talisman. The favorites of the stone will be individuals with pure thoughts who love to work in a team for the benefit of others.
For slow-moving representatives of the constellation Taurus, the amulet will help them relax and act faster in life. Practical individuals will find help in achieving their goals. Timid Taurus will overcome their fear of the unknown.
All representatives of the signs Capricorn, Pisces, Sagittarius, Virgo, Cancer and Gemini will be fueled by the energy of the mineral. But Leos, Libra, Scorpios and Aries are by nature too energetically strong, so such signs will lose in an unequal struggle, giving their own energy to the stone.
Names and chrysoprase
It is not difficult to guess what power the mineral will give to the person whose name it patronizes. Such a talisman will bring goodness to people with the following names:
- Anastasia. Such a girl should strive for self-improvement, and chrysoprase will become a faithful assistant on this path;
- Vyacheslav. The talisman will add wisdom to this man, of course, if this person is hardworking by nature;
- Maksim. The stone is ideal for such a person - the amulet will strengthen the spirit and body, instill confidence, give hope;
- Semyon. The mineral will protect a man with this name from troubles, attract good luck and reliable associates, and help in any endeavor;
- Yuri. For him, the amulet will preserve generosity, wisdom, endurance, and the desire to improve oneself.
It must be remembered that chrysoprase is a stone that enhances personal qualities. From birth, a person’s name endows him with certain character traits, and such a talisman can increase them.
AREAS OF USE
Even in Ancient Greece and Rome, cameos and intaglios with images of gods, heroes and mythological scenes were carved from chrysoprase. Today, the stone is ground, polished, and used to create cabochons and flat inserts into jewelry and decorative items.
Chrysoprase samples from the jewelry group are usually used for jewelry. A mineral of this quality is well processed and easily takes polish.
Heterogeneous with inclusions
Medicinal properties of chrysoprase
Chrysoprase stones have also proven themselves in healing.
It is a mineral of vigor and strength.
The property of the stone to charge water to improve health is known. To do this, it must be “infused” with chrysoprase for 5-7 hours. Drinking this water helps cure colds and generally improves immunity.
The spectrum of green shades of chrysoprase has a beneficial effect on the organs of vision, therefore it is useful to admire the stone as often as possible.
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Chrysoprase is better than others for meditation and is used in folk medicine as a mineral that calms and harmonizes a person’s internal state:
- helps with depression;
- insomnia;
- nervous tension;
- emotional fatigue.
Apple green chrysoprase
The magical properties of chrysoprase
Chrysoprase is formed under the influence of the main natural elements - water, wind and solar energy, and therefore has powerful magical properties:
- Amulets and talismans made of chrysoprase are able to warn their owner about upcoming dangers - becoming cloudy or changing their shade.
- The main areas of application of chrysoprase are everything related to the theme of money, achievements, success, victories, discoveries and love.
- However, the mineral is not suitable for people with a passive lifestyle. To achieve what you want, you will have to not only rely on the help of the stone, but also act on your own. Therefore, chrysoprase is a talisman of innovators, inventors, active and active people.
- At the same time, the stone has the qualities of the Moon and Venus and perceives Yin energy well. The amulet will help women harmonize themselves, balance their feminine principles and find family happiness.
- The unique property of the stone is to soothe homesickness. Those traveling far are recommended to take it on the road: the mineral will help you feel the support of relatives and friends from a distance.
It must be remembered that chrysoprase “works” only for people whose intentions are pure. The amulet will help to increase the positive effect of virtuous deeds; in other hands, it will either not bring any results or will completely darken.
Chrysoprase in astrology
Chrysoprase is one of the calmest and most peaceful stones in the horoscope. It will suit almost all zodiac signs. However, for some the mineral will be especially useful:
- those born under the signs of the Moon, Venus and Jupiter, the Sun and Mars - will support their aspirations, help them see the right path and balance them in the right place;
- For Aquarius, the talisman is practically a reflection of their essence, combining lightness, activity and balance.
Aries are the only ones for whom chrysoprase is not suitable according to their zodiac sign - the properties of the stone will excessively enhance the natural determination of the sign, which can lead to undesirable consequences.
What names is chrysoprase suitable for?
People with the following names should especially pay attention to the meaning of the gem:
- female names: Anastasia, Alexandra, Marina, Clara;
- male names: Vyacheslav, Alexey, Alexander, Maxim, Semyon, Yuri, Boris.
Note
Each mineral is unique, attractive, and filled with magic in its own way. Chrysoprase, along with other stones, is a creation of nature, wild, mysterious, stunning. For thousands of years, man has learned to use the powers of minerals for his own benefit.
But to find success, financial well-being or love, it is not enough to be born under the right zodiac sign or to be called by the right name. Continuous work on yourself will help you achieve heights in life.
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