The name chrysoprase (rhymes with bliss and craze) is from the Greek chrysos, golden and prason, leek. Like so many very ancient or even old names for stones used for ornamentation, it was apparently applied to several yellowish green gemstones, including beryl, but gradually it became limited to the apple-green coloured microcrystalline variety of quartz (or chalcedony): CHRYSOPRASE.

Chrysoprase is found today mostly in Australia, although chrysoprase has been found in Brazil, the Ural Mountains and California.

Unlike most other green stones, which owe their colour to chromium or vanadium, chrysoprase derives its green colour to staining by nickel oxide compounds.

Its bright even colour and texture lends itself well to beads, cabochons and carvings.

Chrysoprase is the rarest of the chalcedony group of gem quartzes and is much sought after for its opalescent green colour. It is the most valuable in the chalcedony group and has long been popular as an ornamental stone.

Gem chrysoprase is of such fine translucent green colour and texture that it was at first mistaken for green Imperial jadeite. Chrysoprase has many similarities to (particularly colour) and can be confused with jadeite. It is sometimes marketed as "Australian Imperial Jade".

Chrysoprase was popular in the time of the Greeks and Romans when it was cut into cameos and intaglios. In Egypt it was set next to lapis lazuli and also made into beads.

It was used lavishly in Europe until the middle of the last century, until the deposits then being mined in Silesia were exhausted and it became rare and expensive. The great jewellery designer, Peter Carl Fabergé, in some of his most exquisite works, often used chrysoprase.

Chrysoprase was a particular favourite of Frederick the Great of Prussia. It can be seen today decorating many buildings in beautiful Prague, including the Chapel of St. Wencelas.

Through the ages, minerals and gems have been associated with different meanings and attributes.

According to the 11th Century Byzantine manuscript of Michael Psellius, chrysoprase was believed to strengthen vision and relieve internal pain.

Metaphysically, chrysoprase is most often associated with an instillation of a sense of grace, facilitating a deep meditative state, calmness and non-judgemental attitudes and acceptance of oneself and others. (See for example - http://www.rt66.com/amulets/).

It is believed to encourage maximum physical outcomes to situations and helps to heal the "broken heart". Fidelity in business and personal affairs is encouraged. It is considered useful in treating disorders of the heart, in increasing dexterity and for treating the reproductive organs, including an increase in fertility and other sexual imbalances.

In Eastern cultures, the various Asian nations have, to differing degrees, sought green precious and semi-precious stones in preference to the many other types of gems and coloured stones preferred by collectors of European origin.

Chrysoprase, to some degree because of its green shade, is believed to balance yin-yang energy, activates, opens and energises the heart chakra and brings energy to the physical body through the loving heart.

Astrologically, chrysoprase is one of the gemstones variously associated with the zodiac signs of Gemini (May 21 June 20), Cancer (June 21 July 20) and Libra (Sept 23 Oct 22).

The Book of Revelations (21:20) describes the holy city of Jerusalem with its 12 foundation walls, each decorated with precious gemstones, including the tenth, being chrysoprase.nt>