Gemstone profile and identification guide
Chrysoprase
Chrysoprase is a nickel-coloured green chalcedony variety of quartz.
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Overview
Chrysoprase is a nickel-coloured green chalcedony variety of quartz.
Did you know? Fine chrysoprase was highly valued in European jewellery and decorative arts in the 18th century.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Chrysoprase
Scientific classification: Silicate (Chalcedony Quartz)
Hardness: 7 Mohs
Transparency: translucent
Lustre: waxy
Crystal system: Trigonal (microcrystalline aggregate)
Primary colour: Green
Secondary colour: Apple Green
Colour family: Greens
Diagnostic features include nickel-related green colour, chalcedony texture, and quartz hardness.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Values are given as practical gemological ranges where appropriate.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: hard
Hardness value: 7 Mohs
Chemical composition: Silicon dioxide (SiO2) with nickel-bearing colour centers
Crystal system: Trigonal (microcrystalline aggregate)
Common locations: Australia (Queensland and Western Australia), Tanzania, Poland, Brazil
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Translucent apple-green chalcedony coloured by nickel compounds.
Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Quartz (chalcedony chrysoprase variety)
Mineral group: Quartz group
Chemical formula: Silicon dioxide (SiO2) with nickel-bearing colour centers
Mohs hardness: 7
Crystal system: Trigonal (microcrystalline aggregate)
Lustre: waxy
Transparency: translucent
Streak: White
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal
Specific gravity: 2.58-2.64
Refractive index: 1.53-1.54
Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic
Colour range: Light apple green to medium green
Common inclusions: Nickel-rich staining, fractures, matrix remnants
Geological environment: Weathered nickel-bearing serpentinized ultramafic terrains
Principal mining regions: Australia (Queensland and Western Australia), Tanzania, Poland, Brazil
Important commercial sources: Modern commercial chrysoprase is strongly associated with Australian production
Historical significance: Used in high-end European jewellery and decorative objects.
Common treatments: Dyeing and impregnation occur in lower-quality material.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Dyed chalcedony and glass are common imitations.
Common look-alikes: Dyed chalcedony, jadeite, aventurine
Jewellery uses: Chrysoprase is used chiefly for Cabochon jewellery emphasizing saturated translucent green body colour.. In the trade it is commonly fashioned as faceted stones, calibrated cuts, and higher-clarity collector pieces, with Mohs hardness 7 guiding suitable jewellery applications.
Care recommendations: Durable in normal wear but can dehydrate or fade; store away from prolonged heat and sunlight.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Chrysoprase.
Formation
Forms by silica replacement in weathered ultramafic and nickel-bearing host rocks.
Origin
Modern commercial chrysoprase is strongly associated with Australian production
Uses
Best for: Chrysoprase is used chiefly for Cabochon jewellery emphasizing saturated translucent green body colour.. In the trade it is commonly fashioned as faceted stones, calibrated cuts, and higher-clarity collector pieces, with Mohs hardness 7 guiding suitable jewellery applications.
Ideal uses: Cabochon jewellery emphasizing saturated translucent green body colour.
Care
Durable in normal wear but can dehydrate or fade; store away from prolonged heat and sunlight.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Gemstones from the same mineral family
Commonly confused gemstones
Chrysoprase FAQ
How can I identify Chrysoprase?
Compare hardness (7 Mohs), crystal system (Trigonal (microcrystalline aggregate)), colour profile, and lustre (waxy) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Chrysoprase appear in?
Translucent apple-green chalcedony coloured by nickel compounds.
Where is Chrysoprase commonly used?
Cabochon jewellery emphasizing saturated translucent green body colour.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 01 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 01 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 01 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 01 factual verification pass.