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There it is found as cavity, vein, and fracture fillings. A box, drawer, or jewelry cabinet, stored away from heat sources, can provide protection.Ĭhrysoprase deposits occur at shallow depths in areas where nickel-bearing rocks have been weathered.

Cut stones and gem materials should not be stored or displayed where they will be exposed to direct sunlight or heat. Care should be taken during jewelry repair to avoid heating the stone. Heat can also cause color fading in chrysoprase. If faded specimens are found at the surface in the field, better color might be found just below the surface. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause it to fade. The color in some specimens of chrysoprase is unstable. Deep green specimens can contain up to 5 weight percent nickel oxide. Pale yellowish green specimens can contain between 0.2 and 1.0 weight percent nickel oxide. The abundance of nickel determines the strength of the green color.

These range from a pale yellowish green to a deeply saturated green. The nickel is not believed to enter the lattice of the microcrystalline quartz.Ĭhrysoprase occurs in a range of green colors.

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Small amounts of nickel silicate admixed with the quartz, dispersed nickel oxide, and free nickel ions might all contribute to the green color of chrysoprase. The color of chrysoprase is mainly determined by its nickel content however, the nickel can occur within the microcrystalline quartz in multiple ways. Today, most chrysoprase is produced in Australia, but it is not widely used because supplies are limited. Chrysoprase first became a popular gem in Europe after deposits in Poland were discovered in the 1700s. A few pieces have been found among their artifacts, but its use in that time was not common. Exceptional pieces of chrysoprase are sometimes cut into translucent faceted stones.Ĭhrysoprase as a gemstone was known to the ancient Greeks and Romans. The name 'chrysoprase' is from the Greek words for 'golden apple' or 'golden leek.' Today it is most often used for making beads and cabochons.

Beautiful green chrysoprase is the second most valuable variety of chalcedony after gem silica. Its green color is usually caused by traces of nickel. Chrysoprase is the name of a translucent chalcedony that ranges in color between yellowish green and green.