Hardness: 7.00
Refractive Index: 1.53-1.54
Specific Gravity: 2.61
Birthstone: May, December
Astral Stone:
Anniversary Stone:
Origination: Most chrysoprase seen in the retail market today originates in Australia. Other sources include Brazil, India, Africa, the former Russia & the United States.
Care & Cleaning: Chrysoprase can lose its color if exposed to many hours of intense sunlight. To clean, rub lightly with a soft polishing cloth. An optional dab of olive oil will produce a beautiful shine.
Fiction, Facts & Folklore:
Chrysoprase is the most highly-prized member of the chalcedony mineral group.
It is generally �apple green� in color, although it may also show undertones of yellow. These colors depend largely on the nickel content present in the mineral.
Chrysoprase is generally found embedded in serpentine rock.
Chrysoprase is generally seen cut en cabochon or in bead form.
The state of California is the most important domestic source for chrysoprase.
Astrologers link chrysoprase to the planets of Mercury and Venus.
Early Greek sailors wore amulets of chrysoprase to prevent drowning.
Ancient historians believe that chrysoprase could improve their eyesight.
Chrysoprase was once considered a birthstone for the month of December.
Because of its high alkalinity, chrysoprase was once used for medicinal purposes.
Ancient cultures believed that a chrysoprase could make one disappear if swallowed. This made the gem a popular one among prisoners & their families.
If someone were lost or did not return from a trip, their disappearance was often blamed on chrysoprase.