Crystal Encyclopedia

Choose a letter, pick a stone from the list, and read about it: what it is made of, how hard it is, what it looks like, what it has traditionally been said to do, and how to look after it.

450 minerals

Chrysoprase

The Apple-Green Healer of Hearts

Also known as: Australian Jade, Queensland Jade

About the stone

Chrysoprase crystal
Photo: Xth-Floor, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Chrysoprase is an apple-green variety of chalcedony colored by nickel, also spelled chrysopras and commercially called “Australian jade” or “Queensland jade,” although it is not true jade. Its name comes from Greek words meaning “golden leek”; known since antiquity and used for carved gems, it has no recorded single discoverer or discovery date, while Szklary in Poland became an important historic European source. Today, notable deposits occur in Queensland and Western Australia, Tanzania, Brazil, and Kazakhstan. Medieval legend describes it as Alexander the Great’s victory talisman, while modern crystal lore associates it with hope, compassion, and emotional renewal.

Mineral data

  • Chemical composition: Chrysoprase is a nickel-colored variety of chalcedony, a microcrystalline quartz, silicon dioxide, SiO2.
  • Hardness: 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale.
  • Color: Seafoam to apple green and deeper shades of green, translucent to opaque.
  • Specific gravity: 2.58-2.64
  • Refractive index: 1.530-1.540

Metaphysical data

Chrysoprase, recognized for its fresh apple-green glow, has been utilized in metaphysical practices to heal the heart, balance opposites and support hope, truth and healthy independence.

Grounding and Stabilizing Energy

  • Chrysoprase is believed to balance yin and yang energy, bringing a steady middle path between giving and receiving.
  • It is thought to induce a deep meditative state and peaceful sleep, reduce claustrophobia and prevent nightmares.

Emotional Healing

  • It is often described as healing heartache and relationships, and turning negative emotions into positive ones.
  • It is thought to help one overcome compulsive behavior and to heal codependence, while supporting independence and commitment.

Harmonizing Energy Centers

  • Chrysoprase is associated with the heart chakra, the center of love, forgiveness and emotional balance.
  • Resting it over the chest in meditation is thought to freshen this center and invite hope and renewal.

Zodiac Associations

  • Chrysoprase is connected with the zodiac sign Gemini, a sign of curiosity, duality and communication that finds balance in its energy.
  • It is said to vibrate to the numbers 3 and 5, numbers of creativity and change, supporting hopeful and expressive growth.

Spiritual Growth

  • It is believed to promote love of truth, hope, creativity and fidelity, in both personal and business dealings.
  • Its green light is used to help people bring honesty and heart into their choices and their relationships.

Physical Healing

  • This information is for general interest and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and the stone does not treat any condition.
  • In crystal lore it is simply valued as a soothing, heart-centered stone for peaceful sleep and recovery from emotional strain.

Care and handling

Chrysoprase is fairly hard, 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, but its color can fade if it is exposed to strong sunlight, heat or very dry conditions, because the green comes from nickel and the stone holds a little water. Clean it with mild soap, lukewarm water and a soft cloth, and dry it well. Avoid harsh chemicals, steam, ultrasonic cleaners and sudden temperature changes. Store it padded and away from direct sun.

Individual experiences with Chrysoprase vary, and its effects are personal. Hold it mindfully, let its fresh green color lift your spirits, and use it as a hopeful companion for healing and honest connection.