CHRYSOPRASE

Chrysoprase is a variety of chalcedony (quartz) which is an opalescent apple green color.  Most green gemstones owe their color to chromium or vanadium, but chrysoprase derives it's beautiful coloration from the nickel content it contains. Which means that it is possible for the color to fade if it is subjected to too much sunlight. 

The name chrysoprase comes from the Greek chrysos meaning 'gold' and prason, meaning 'leek' or 'bloom'. The Greeks bestowed this name due to the presence of the golden drops that appear to be contained in the stone.

Chrysoprase is found in Australia, Brazil, the Ural Mountains and in the USA, it is the valued form of the chalcedony group.

Ancient Greek, Romans and Egyptians used chrysoprase in jewelry and other ornamental objects, and due to it's semi-opaque green color it is often mistaken for imperial jadeite.

Due to the fact that substantial deposits of this gemstone were mined in Silesia in the fourteenth century large amount of chrysoprase were used for the now infamous decoration of the chapel of St. Wenceslas in Prague.


Mystical Properties:
Chrysoprase helps to make conscious what is currently unconscious.  It's vibrations have a tranquilizing effect that seem to bring damaging subconscious thought to the foreground, where they can be assessed and dealt with properly.

Chrysoprase has been credited with a number of other powers, such as banishing greed, selfishness, carelessness, stirring the imagination. calming irritability and the pains of gout.  It has been said to create happiness, enterprise, prudence adaptability, versatility, action, progress and adventure. Told to protect from evil dreams and demons, to bring success in new enterprises, and to make the wearer more cheerful.

If used in jewelry creations, chrysoprase should only be set or used with silver, and it will hold more power if it is carved in the shape of a heart.

And old Rumanian legend speaks of the owner of such a stone to have the ability to understand the language of lizards.


Healing Properties:
Chrysoprase's healing powers include strengthening the eyes, staunching the blood and relieving the pain of rheumatism. 

It is used to speed the healing of just about any wound, but it should not be placed on the body, instead held over the affected area.  Keep a chrysoprase close to your bed at night to speed healing of any type of wound. 

Chrysoprase must be worn or laid on for quite a long time when used for healing purposes, it also must be cleansed briefly under running water before each use and then recharged overnight among a host of rock crystals at least every two weeks.


Magical Properties:
Being a magic stone of ancient Greek, it was recharged in the open at half moon in order to ensure good heath and a happy marriage. 

Carry or wear chrysoprase to summon prosperity, it will also pull double duty as a protector against the negative thoughts of other people. Place a bowl or specimen of chrysoprase near the front entrance of your home to protect the entire household from the negative thoughts of all who enter.

Keep this stone on your desk or in your work area for inspiration and innovative ideas.

Carry a small piece of chrysoprase with you at all times to attract money.

At one time chrysoprase was believed to hold the Sacred Flame of the Goddess, and it is therefore a great altar decoration when worshipping the Goddess.