Chrysoprase: May Birthstone

The name "chrysoprase" came from the Greek words "chrysos," or in English meaning "gold," and "prison," meaning "leek," having a golden-green color of the stone. The stone was impressive during ancient Greece and Rome by virtue that it had an attraction that invited prosperity, turned away evil, and offered protection.

It was filled with suspicions of becoming a stone for Venus, the Roman goddess of beauty and love; therefore, it was placed in various talismans and amulets. Since then, pharaohs have been in love with chrysoprase too; they decorated places of pharaohs' tombs and burial chambers with this rock, believing that it would be enough of a guideline for a soul in the afterlife.

By the time of the Renaissance, chrysoprase had become popular throughout Europe, particularly in Germany and Poland. Frederick the Great of Prussia was a great enthusiast of the mineral and adorned his castles and personal commodities with it. The artists of the time also used it in many works, among which are the noted stained glass windows of the St. Wenceslaus Chapel in Prague.

Chrysoprase is a type of chalcedony, the type of quartz, even more valued for its pleasing green color. Below are some basic facts about its appearance.

• Color: The color of chrysoprase can range from very light to deeply apple-green, depending on the concentration of nickel in the stone. The most valuable are said to be chrysoprases of this color with evenly distributed rich bright green.
• Luster: Chrysoprase exhibits a smooth waxy luster, helpful for easy identification and display of the natural beauty that comes with the stone. This luster symbolizes the soft reflections of the stone-especially when in cabochon cut and giving it a glowing look.
• Transparency: Chrysoprase is translucent, allowing light to permeate into the stone. This makes a complete difference in the transparency of the stone in comparison to other green stones, such as emeralds, which may be completely opaque.

The chrysoprase is beautiful and there may be some notable features that set it apart from the rest of the chalcedony. 

• Hardness: Moderately hard, ranking about 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. It's therefore comparatively quite resistant. With such tenacity, chrysoprase can take numerous and varied constructions in jewelry, such as rings and pendants of all kinds.
• Formation: Chrysoprase represents a type of chalcedony, actually a variant, which is microcrystalline in structure and texture in the form of quartz. Being nickel-induced, it is green in color and thereby stands different from the other species of chalcedony.
• Origin: Chrysoprase is found in nature in the form of nodules; besides, it occurs as filling-up in cavities and veins of rocks. It originates in nickel deposits in the course of interaction of ground waters, rich in silica, with nickel-bearing minerals.
• Cuts: Chrysoprase is cut mainly en cabochon or as beads showing color and translucency. The snow-white glow together with the waxy luster of green chrysoprase could almost pass for a cabocha cut.

Chrysoprase deposits exist all over the world. The main sources, however, are found in Australia, Brazil, Poland, Tanzania, and the United States.

• Australia: The country possesses some of the best chrysopase. The main sources are found in Marlborough in Queensland and another important source in Coolgardie in Western Australia. The material coming out of these sources is the best in color and has the best amount of translucency.
• Brazil: The other, particularly for this material, is situated in Goiás and Minas Gerais. Brazilian chrysoprase also occurs in bright green color, and it is cut to be used in jewelry and ornamental objects. More sources give figures from around the world, including Australia, Austria, Mexico, Russia, and the United States.
• Poland: A long-since-mined chrysoprase can also be found in Lower Silesia in Poland. The typical color of the Polish chrysoprase is light green, and not as clear, but it is, of course, attractive to the collectors.
• Tanzania: Generally, chrysoprase is of lighter color and less availability in Tanzania in contrast to other regions.
• United States: The chrysoprase of the United States is centered in California and has a unique shade of blue-green.

Chrysoprase is a birthstone for May, which is one of the reasons it would be most suited for Taurus. Taurus, being an earth sign, loves beauty, luxury, and comfort and is ruled by the star sign, Venus. Chrysoprase is quite certainly a good link with Venus's energies since it amplifies the characteristics that make Taurus love beauty, love, and abundance.

Chrysoprase is associated with Libra, which is a sign under Venus' rulership. Balancing, harmonizing, and just qualities said to be with the Libras are planted to a stone by promoting emotional healing and giving an individual inner peace.

The physical, emotional, and spiritual powers of healing that chrysoprase exhibits are as follows: 

Emotional Healing

• This was also known as the "Stone of Venus", as chrysoprase answered very strongly in areas to do with love and compassion. It opens the heart chakra; it's said to allow more love to come through regarding one's self and others. 
• Chrysoprase replaces all negative feelings, thoughts, and emotions of anger, fear, and jealousy with joy, optimism, and inner peace. 
• It is particularly effective in the healing of emotional wounds and traumas, hence giving one renewed confidence to stride forth in life with a new attitude toward the future.

Physical Healing

• Chrysoprase nurtures the immune system, detoxifying the body in general, as it believes on the physical level. This is because it can reduce too much anxiety, depression, and stress since its nature balances and calms the body and mind. 
• Many people make use of chrysoprase to soothe skin disorders, heart-related problems, and reproductive health issues.

Spiritual Healing

• The spiritually powerful stone that is chrysoprase encourages self-acceptance and helps a person bind personal growth with forgiveness apart from letting a person know his higher self. 
• Chrysoprase further facilitates meditation through a deep connection with the spiritual world, uplifting and releasing negativity.

Chrysoprase is considered one of those relatively durable stones. Proper care would also be great in retaining its beauty and making it last longer. Below are some key tips for taking care of chrysoprase jewelry.

• Avoid heat and sunlight: Like many other colored stones, chrysoprase also tends to fade when exposed for a long period due to excessive heat and direct sunlight. The coolest and darkest place is where the gem is stored most of the time when not being used since this would preserve its brightness and tone of color.
• Care: Clean your chrysoprase jewelry in warm water using a soft cloth or a brush and mild soap. Strong chemicals should be avoided, as well as ultrasonic or steam cleaners, as they may interact adversely with the stone.
• Storage: It is best to store it separately from other gemstones and jewelry to prevent scratching and damage. 
• Chemical Damage: The common household cleaners, perfumes, and lotions will eventually break down this chrysoprase and dull its brilliance. Most of the care needed regarding this stone is simply to have a professional jeweler inspect any metal-set chrysoprase periodically to make sure settings are tight and that the gem is still in good condition.

How does chrysoprase differ from emeralds?

Chrysoprase is a translucent chalcedony of green color due to the presence of nickel, while emerald is a variety of beryl of the opaque form and a much deeper green. A chrysoprase is softer, in general, than an emerald and is less expensive.

How can I be certain that Chrysoprase is genuine?

Its saturated color and deep green, combined with the degree of translucency, will show the genuine chrysoprase. Further, you can conduct the hardness test of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale or get professional assistance from a gemologist.

How to Care for Your Chrysoprase Jewelry?

Chrysoprase shouldn't be exposed to heat and light. Cleaning should be soft, just a solution with mild soap and water. Also, it is necessary to keep it far from other jewelry, which can scratch it. The use of harsh chemicals should be avoided; constant checks by a jeweler should also be done.