Description Chrysoprase is a gorgeous translucent apple-green variety of microcrystalline quartz. History Golden Leeks The ancient Greeks and Romans used chrysoprase as a decorative stone. Its name comes from the Greek word chrysos meaning "gold" and prason meaning "leek", alluding to both its value and its color. Saint Wenceslas Chapel Centuries ago mines in Poland and other regions produced large quantities of very fine chrysoprase. In the Wenceslas Chapel in Prague, chrysoprase was used for luxurious interior decoration. Symbolism Birthstone, pre-1900, Russian: December Angel: Ambriel Apostle: Saint Thaddeus Planet: Mercury and Venus Zodiac: Gemini See also chalcedony and quartz |
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