A valuable form of chalcedony, beautiful green chrysoprase is often taken for jade. The name chrysoprase comes from the Greek chrysos (golden) and prase (leek). The vivid green color is caused by the presence of nickel silicate.
Lore
An 11th century Byzantine manuscript of Michael Pselilu, tells us that chrysoprase was believed to strengthen vision and relieve internal pain. At times in the past it has been used to prevent or cure sexual disease, gout and mental illness.
Chrysoprase is a lucky stone, carrying a small piece is thought to attract money. It was worn in the 13th century as an amulet of protection. Today it is still thought by many in the New Age movement to protect children.
Traditionally chrysoprase has been used to ease gout and ailments of the eye. Chrysoprase is also thought to encourage love and tolerance and is used to promote friendship and to gain acceptance.
"Wonderful things are told of the virtue of the chrysoprase, . . . if a thief sentenced to be hanged or beheaded should place this stone in his mouth, he would immediately escape from his executioners." 1
"Emanuel Swedenborg, a seventeenth-century Swedish theologian, scientist, philosopher, and metaphysician, credited this apple-green chalcedony with giving people a love of the truth." 2
Chrysoprase is one of the birthstones for May.
1) George Frederick Kunz "The curious lore of precious stones"
2) Brenda Knight "Gem Magic: Crystals and Gemstones for Love, Luck, and Power "
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