Chrysoprase – The Stone of Summer

Chrysoprase (also chrysophrase) is a gemstone variety of chalcedony (fibrous form of quartz) that contains small quantities of nickel. Its color is normally apple-green, but varies to deep green. It is cryptocrystalline, which means that it is composed of crystals so fine that they cannot be seen as distinct particles under normal magnification. This sets it apart from rock crystal, amethyst, citrine, and the other varieties of crystalline quartz which are basically transparent and formed from easily recognized six-sided crystals. Other members of the cryptocrystalline quartz family include agate, carnelian, and onyx. Unlike many non-transparent members of the quartz family, it is the color of chrysoprase, rather than any pattern of markings, that makes it desirable. The word chrysoprase comes from the Greek chrysos meaning ‘gold’ and prason, meaning ‘leek’.

Due to its comparative scarcity and pleasing green color, chrysoprase is one of the most prized varieties of quartz. Higher quality specimens often rival fine jade, for which it is sometimes mistaken. Cut into cabochons (smooth domed gems with flat backs for use in jewelry), it can be as sought after as fine amethyst. Its use in jewelry dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was fashioned into necklaces, scarabs, and objects of adornment.

Unlike emerald which owes its beautiful green color to the presence of chromium, the color of chrysoprase is due to trace amounts of nickel in the structure. The nickel reportedly occurs as platelets of the talc-like mineral willemseite. Chrysoprase results from the deep weathering or lateritization of nickeliferous serpentinites or other ultramafic ophiolite rocks. In the Australian deposits, chrysoprase occurs as veins and nodules with brown goethite and other iron oxides in the magnesite-rich saprolite below an iron and silica cap.

The best known sources of chrysoprase are Australia, Germany, Poland, Russia, Arizona, California, and Brazil.

Last weekend at the International Gem & Jewelry Show in San Mateo, California, I was able to obtain some choice cabochons and beads from one of my long time vendors who’s family owns and mines Chrysoprase in Brazil. Chrysoprase has recently become an alternative to turquoise and coral, and is a great accent color for summer wardrobes. I will be posting pictures of rings, earrings, and necklaces featuring this unique gemstone as they are finished.

Moonstone – June’s Modern Birthstone

Many legends and myths surround Moonstone. In Ancient times, Moonstone was believed to act as a spiritual link to lunar to the Greek goddesses Selene (Selenology is the study of the geology of the Moon) and Phoebe and their Roman equivalents of Luna and Diana. Moonstone has traditionally been used to enhance psychic abilities and to develop clairvoyance. It was said to arouse passion, bring its wearer good fortune, protect travelers, and calm the emotions.

Moonstone is the opalescent variety of Orthoclase, a common constituent of most granites and other felsic igneous rocks and is often found in huge crystals and masses in pegmatite veins. If not pearly and opalescent, orthoclase is used in the manufacture of porcelain and as an ingredient in scouring powder. It can be commonly found in Sri Lanka, Burma, India, Australia, Madagascar, Tanzania, Brazil, the United States, and the European Alps and comes in a variety of colors including pink, yellow, green, brown, white, cream, and blue.