Chrysoprase

It is one of the most sought-after varieties of chalcedony. Chrysoprase is cryptocrystalline, which means it is composed of so fine crystals that they are not able to be seen by the naked eye. It is a translucent apple-green variety, colored by nickel.

The word chrysoprase comes from the Greek “chrys,” meaning 'gold or yellow' and “prase,” meaning 'green'. Chrysoprase used to be referred to as “the stone of Venus,” and was often used by the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians to make seals, signets, jewelry and other ornamental objects because of its beautiful, vivid green color. It is said to have been the favorite gemstone of Alexander the Great.