Chrysoprase Photos
Cochise College
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Virtual Geology Museum
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Roger Weller, geology instructor
Chrysoprase Photos
Chrysoprase
last edited:
1/11/08
number of photos: 18
Chrysoprase is quartz, SiO2,
colored green by
the presence of nickel.
Mineral information on quartz
hardness: 7
Chrysoprase is commonly thought of as a translucent cryptocrystalline form
of quartz with an apple green color. The color, however can range from
pale
green to yellowish green to grayish green and even lime green. The color
may slightly fade upon exposure to sunlight. The green color comes from
the
presence of a green, nickel-rich clay mineral, pimelite, within the chalcedony.
Garnierite, another nickel-rich mineral, is also another possible coloring
source.
An ancient source of chrysoprase was Silesia. Today, most chrysoprase
comes
from Australia. In some cases, white chalcedony that has been dyed green
is
being passed off as chrysoprase. Persons with severe nickel allergies have
developed rashes from contact with chrysoprase.
lectures on
chrysoprase
Chrysoprase
by Audrey LaClair
cabochons
chrysoprase cabochons:
A
chrysoprase from Australia:
A
B
C
D
chrysoprase in jewelry
chrysoprase beads:
A
B
C
lemon chrysoprase pendant:
A
chrysoprase specimens
chrysoprase slabs:
A
B
C
D
chrysoprase, rough:
A
B
C
lemon chrysoprase, rough:
A
B
Additional information on chrysoprase:
Chrysoprase is found in close association with serpentine.
the word chrysoprase comes from the Greek chrysos (golden) and prason
(leek).
US locations:
California
Porterville,
Tulare County
Visalia
Oregon
Nickel mountain
WORLD-WIDE locations
Germany
Frankenstein (Zabkowice), Silesia
Australia
Marlborough, Princhester, and Yaamba areas-Central
Queensland
Photos are copyright free for non-commercial educational uses.
Just credit
photos to R.Weller/Cochise College.
copyright 2008-R.Weller