Chrysoprase
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/25326737@N00">Jarno</a> from Rotterdam, Netherlands (CC BY 2.0)
Mineral NameChrysoprase
Chemical FormulaSiO2
Mohs Hardness7
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lusterwaxy
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagenone
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.65
Colorsapple-green, green, yellowish-green
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityAustralia
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, ornamental stone, collector
Associated Mineralsserpentinite, magnesite, talc, opal
Rarityuncommon
Description
This is a tumble-polished, translucent piece of chrysoprase, displaying a vibrant apple-green color with some lighter, cloudy white areas and darker brownish-black inclusions.
Geological Context
Chrysoprase is a nickel-rich variety of chalcedony (cryptocrystalline quartz) that forms in the weathered zones of nickel-bearing serpentinite and other ultramafic rocks, where silica-rich solutions precipitate the mineral.
