Crystal & mineral guide
Chrysoprase
SiO₂ (chalcedony)
Nickel-green chalcedony — the finest green cryptocrystalline quartz.
Identify Chrysoprase with RockScanAbout Chrysoprase
Chrysoprase is translucent apple-green chalcedony colored by nickel. Australian material dominates modern supply. Can fade with prolonged heat/sun. Distinguished from jade by lower SG and chalcedony structure; from dyed agate by natural even green.
Chrysoprase belongs in a crystal identifier workflow because photo cues — color zoning, crystal habit, and surface luster — combine with measurable traits like Mohs 6.5–7 and specific gravity 2.58–2.64. Use RockScan’s camera to get a first-pass ID, then confirm with the checklist below.
Chrysoprase properties
| Mohs hardness | 6.5–7 |
|---|---|
| Crystal system | Trigonal (microcrystalline) |
| Luster | Waxy to vitreous |
| Color | Apple to emerald green |
| Composition | Chalcedony colored by nickel |
| Formation | Nickel-bearing weathering zones over ultramafics |
| Occurrence | Australia (Queensland), Poland (historic), Brazil, Madagascar |
| Specific gravity | 2.58–2.64 |
| Cleavage | None |
How to identify Chrysoprase
- Translucent apple green without crystal grain
- Hardness 7; SG ~2.6
- May fade — ask about storage/treatment
Collector notes
- Historic Silesian chrysoprase adorned European royalty
- One of the few greens caused by nickel in quartz
Value context: Deep even translucent green without brown matrix prices highest.
Chrysoprase FAQ
How do you identify Chrysoprase?
Chrysoprase (SiO₂ (chalcedony)) is typically recognized by apple to emerald green color, waxy to vitreous luster, Mohs hardness 6.5–7, and trigonal (microcrystalline) crystal system. RockScan can suggest Chrysoprase from a photo and surface these checks on the result card.
What is Chrysoprase made of?
Chrysoprase composition: Chalcedony colored by nickel. It forms via nickel-bearing weathering zones over ultramafics and is found in Australia (Queensland), Poland (historic), Brazil, Madagascar.
Is Chrysoprase valuable?
Deep even translucent green without brown matrix prices highest.
