Chrysoprase

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