When you start your journey towards a more mindful, truthful, and spiritual you, having a wise and comforting companion can make a significant difference. For many centuries, healing crystals have been gentle tools that encourage and empower those with sensitive souls and open minds. Chrysoprase was — and still is — among some of the most beloved gemstones for mending and nourishing a broken heart.
With its beautiful apple-green color, chrysoprase shares a close bond with the heart chakra, but it can also be used to balance the root and the throat centers. It's a birthstone for those born between May 21and June 20, as the days slowly transition from the vibrant spring to warm and balmy summer life.
In this guide, we'll explore chrysoprase throughout history, its most important sourcing locations, and multiple ways you can incorporate this bright green gemstone into your life to support your mind, body, and spirit.
Origins of Chrysoprase
The word chrysoprase comes from the two Greek words "chrusos," meaning golden, and "prason," meaning leek, hinting at this gem's turquoise-greenish hues. In ancient times, it was referred to as the stone of Venus, and historians claim it was Alexander the Great's favorite stone.
According to legend, the great conqueror always wore a girdle during battle, which was embedded with a piece of this mesmerizing green mineral. He believed that chrysoprase was a protection talisman and a good luck token that made him unbeatable.
After a victorious campaign in India, Alexander decided to bathe in the Euphrates, leaving this precious accessory on the river banks. As the Macedonian king enjoyed the cooling waters, a serpent bit off the gemstone and dropped it into the river. From that day onwards, Alexander never won another campaign.
Chrysoprase was very popular among ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks, and they used it to create signets, seals, and jewelry because of its vivid and soothing color. Centuries later during the Art Nouveau period, it became extremely sought-after as Egyptian revival pieces became highly coveted after the discovery of Tutankhamen's tomb.
Sources of Chrysoprase
Chrysoprase is a variety of chalcedony that belongs to the cryptocrystalline silica family, along with other well-known stones like Carnelian, Onyx, and Agate. While other green-colored crystals get their color from the presence of chromium, chrysoprase's extraordinary tones originate from nickel. In fact, some of the most unique and wanted specimens frequently have inclusions of this common chemical compound.
Ranging from a pale lime-green shade (known as lemon chrysoprase or lemon magnesite) to a dark, deep forest color, this extraordinary crystal is often carved into beautiful cabochons, which are then used to create exquisite pieces of chrysoprase jewelry.
One of the biggest extraction sites of this mineral was the Szklary mine in Poland, which was completely depleted by the 14th century. Nowadays, the highest quality chrysoprase pieces come from Queensland and Western Australia, where it is commonly referred to as Australian jade.
Other noteworthy locations include Brazil, India, Kazakhstan, Madagascar, South Africa, Tanzania, Russia, and Zimbabwe. In the United States, the most important chrysoprase mines are found in Arizona, California, and Oregon.
Keep in mind that this gemstone's color may fade when exposed to prolonged direct sunlight, but it may be restored by placing it in a dark and humid storage space.
Healing Properties of Chrysoprase
Like all pink and green gemstones, chrysoprase is a powerful yet gentle chakra stone known for its heart nourishing energy. At the same time, it exudes a subtle grounding vibration that connects you to yourself, the present, and the Earth.
When selecting your chrysoprase, keep an eye out for greenish-blue pieces, as they combine the loving energy of the heart with the confident self-expression encouraged by the throat chakra. That said, never forget that in the end, you should always pick the stone that’s drawing you in.
Physical Benefits
According to ancient lore, the chrysoprase gemstone can be a great tool to help speed up the healing of wounds and recovery from any illness. Simply place it on top of the affected area during meditation. Or, place it under your pillow to enhance the healing properties induced by a good night's rest.
Just like Citrine and green Tourmaline, it's an excellent crystal to support your overall health and well-being. Crystal experts claim it's a great detoxifier for both the mind and body. Chrysoprase is said to stimulate liver function to better release toxins from your body, as well as balance your stomach and both small and large intestines.
If you find yourself continually struggling with hormonal issues that may affect your reproductive organs, consider getting a chrysoprase crystal. Holistic therapists recommend it for those struggling with imbalances involving the thymus and thyroid glands. They also believe it can bring relief if you suffer from skin or lung diseases, and increase your body's capacity to assimilate vitamin C.
Emotional Healing
Along with Peridot and Rose Quartz, chrysoprase is considered one of the best crystals to carry if you've recently gone through a break-up. After a painful separation, this calming gemstone can provide the comfort and solace your heart needs and boost your self-love and confidence. It encourages you to feel centered and act from a place of compassion towards yourself and others.
The chrysoprase stone's energy offers hope and assists your heart in preparing for new love and new relationships. It promotes joy, happiness, and above all, forgiveness. If you know someone who's codependent in relationships, consider giving them beautiful chrysoprase. It can be a token that empowers them to become more confident and independent and take control of their lives.
Chrysoprase’s cleansing vibration alleviates mental exhaustion —particularly if caused by stress and anxiety — and helps to keep a clear mind during challenging times. It's a wonderful amulet to remind you of the talents and gifts you already possess, and it inspires you to use them to create the life you've always wanted.
Spiritual Growth and Metaphysical Properties
When combined with Amethyst, chrysoprase makes for an outstanding tool to accompany you on your self-discovery journey. As a crystal of new beginnings, it stimulates your creative side and brings success in new ventures. Like Fuchsite and Aventurine , its energy is said to attract prosperity and abundance and help you accept change as a natural part of our existence.
Chrysoprase is a fantastic gemstone to connect with your inner self, enhance your intuitive powers, and combine them with the heart's energy. At the same time, it helps you recognize your inner beauty and empowers you to show up to the world, fearlessly and unapologetically. Chrysoprase instills a non-judgmental attitude and keeps your mind open and more accepting of others.
If you know someone with an inferiority or superiority complex, getting them a piece of chrysoprase may be a good idea. It boosts confidence for those who lack it while instilling humility and kindness in those who may feel like they're better than others. It is particularly helpful in overcoming compulsive or angry behavior, channeling it into positive actions instead.
Crystal healers highly recommend it as a holistic tool to heal the inner child, as its presence helps to release emotions that have been deeply locked since childhood. It empowers you to bring these feelings to the surface so you can let them go with a forgiving heart and a peaceful mind.
Chrysoprase: Love Yourself, Keep an Open Mind, and Be Happy
If you wish to transform your life and find a new path that better aligns with who you truly are, then chrysoprase can be a loving companion for you. It instills a greater sense of self-love and confidence, and it inspires you to be creative and build the life of your dreams.
Its vibration transmutes negative emotions into positive ones, helps balance your emotional body, and teaches you that the most important thing you can do for the world is to be your flawed, messy, beautiful, and glorious self.
