Chrysoprase, the Gem of Kings

     Chrysoprase is an apple-green variety of the mineral chalcedony. Chalcedony is a variety of microcrystalline quartz (that is, quartz that is composed of a lot of tiny crystals as opposed to a single large crystal) Chrysoprase gets its green color from nickel impurities. This color can fade when chrysoprase is heated and when it is displayed in direct sunlight, so if you happen to have a piece, don't display it in the sun for prolonged periods of time! Being microcrystalline chrysoprase has no shape, but rather is found as veins and nodules. Once source of information that I read said that chrysoprase belongs to the hexagonal crystal group, but I believe that that description refers to the tiny crystals that make up its mass and not to the mass itself. Chrysoprase is translucent, but can be nearly opaque and while chrysoprase is known for its common apple-green color it can also be yellow-green in rare occasions.
     Because of its attractive color chrysoprase has been used as a gemstone since ancient times. Chrysoprase is still used as a gemstone today.
     Possibly the most famous source of chrysoprase is the region of Silesia in Poland. This source has been used since medieval times and some of its gems were used to make jewelry for kings, most notably King Frederick II of Prussia. King Frederick even discovered a vein of chrysoprase there that was three miles long! Since the source in Poland has been just about exhausted the market has turned to other sources. Today most chrysoprase comes from Australia. Other sources include: Russia, Germany, Tanzania, Kazakhstan, Japan, Arizona, and California.
     I think that chrysoprase is a beautiful stone, and it appears that others agree! Chrysoprase has been used by the Ancient Egyptians, the Ancient Greeks, the Romans, and the king of Prussia. However, One greater than all of those previously mentioned has made use of chrysoprase as well. In the book of Revelation God has revealed to us that He plans to use chrysoprase as a foundation in the New Jerusalem. Chrysoprase is truly the gem of kings, and of the King of kings!