Chrysoprase

Chrysoprase is found primarily in Queensland, Australia; the green pigment in this chalcedonic quartz is from nickel. It has a hardness of 6.5-7. Other deposits occur in Brazil, India, South Africa and Russia. Chrysoprase was historically used as interior decoration in various chapels and castles in Germany. Chrysoprase is often confused with jade, variscite, smithsonite and artificially colored chalcedony. Said to give the possessor the courage to be one’s spiritual self. The issue surrounding this stone is always courage; not so much the lack of courage, but the need to see one’s life from a position of strength rather than powerlessness. Many people who are drawn to chrysoprase simply need permission to be themselves.