I’ve just bought a strand (well several actually) of lemon yellow
chrysoprase beads. Some are lenticular and others round.
Amongst the gurus here does anyone know where this material comes
from. I’m told that it’s “African”.
Any help would be appreciated.
Tony Konrath
Gold and Stone
www.goldandstone.com
tony@goldandstone.com
Tony, There seems to be some disagreement between stone dealers as to
just what lemon chrysoprase is. Many are now acknowledging that it’s
actually magnesite (a relatively soft mineral that is white in its
pure form) that has been colored by the same impurities which color
chrysoprase (a green-colored variety of quartz and much harder). I
believe the two grow in close proximity to each other, making the
distinction even more ambiguous and possibly a matter of degree
depending on how much of the underlying mineral is quartz vs.
magnesite.
As for origin, I know that much, if not most, chrysoprase and lemon
chrysoprase come from Australia but there may well be a source in
Africa as well. (Africa is so rich in minerals that they all seem to
turn up there sooner or later :-).)
Beth
I've just bought a strand (well several actually) of lemon yellow chrysoprase beads...
Chrysoprase is a variety of Chalcedony, the microcrystalline form of
Quartz. High quality translucent material is the most valuable variety
of Chalcedony. However, Chrysoprase is not yellow, but the apple
green variety which is derived from the presence of nickel. It is
found in a number of localities including Australia, Austria, Russia,
Brazil and California. If you’re interested in gemstone lore,
Chrysoprase was used for spiritual protection.
Charles Heick
Cincinnati, Ohio
I was told we have some in Canada. Actualy, I am looking for some
cabochons in lemon chrisoprase, anybody having some for sale?
Myriam.