May's Alternate Birthstone: Chrysoprase

May's Alternate Birthstone: Chrysoprase

While the traditional birthstone for the month of May is emerald — gorgeous but pricey — its alternate birthstone is chrysoprase. Australian chrysoprase in particular is much loved for its bright, apple green color, as well as for the chocolatey patterns of its host rock, goethite.

Chrysoprase overview

Color, of course, makes chrysoprase a favorite for jewelry, but not only color. An especially beautiful feature of the stone is the way that some specimens seem "alive" with a sort of inner glow. This effect is the result of the way light passes through the structure of the stone.

The appeal of chrysoprase color is also in its range from a soft, almost minty green to bright apple green to a somewhat deeper, richer green. As with many natural, untreated gemstones, the variation is part of the beauty. Its host rock, goethite, is often seen in chrysoprase strands and chrysoprase jewelry, seeming to ground the greens.

With a Mohs hardness of 6 to 7, chrysoprase is suitable for carving, and is durable enough for everyday wear.

Chrysoprase varieties

When it comes to jewelry, the two most recognizable types of chrysoprase are Australian (vivid apple green) and boulder chrysoprase (patterned with its matrix).

Australian chrysoprase is the most valued and most widely available variety. It is mined primarily in Queensland, and is known for its vibrant, saturated apple green. This is the color most of us think of when we picture the finest chrysoprase.

Boulder chrysoprase is the variety that includes the matrix — the host rock, goethite, with its chocolatey and rusty tones running through the green. This goethite matrix is expressly sought for some jewelry designs, and is especially lovely in strands (see above).

Lemon chrysoprase is a more yellow-toned (and softer green) variety, found in Australia and Indonesia.

The history of chrysoprase

The word chrysoprase comes from the Greek chrysos (gold) and prason (leek), a reference to the gemstone's color. Chrysoprase is thought to have been used by the Greeks and Romans in a variety of decorative objects as well as in signets, amulets, and other religious jewelry.

In the medieval period, chrysoprase was believed to have protective powers, not unlike other gemstones.

The Victorians were fond of chrysoprase in their jewelry, and it can be seen in cameos, cabochons and beaded pieces from that era.

For centuries, the source of chrysoprase deposits was Silesia, which we now know as part of Poland and the Czech Republic. And although chrysoprase deposits have been found in Brazil, Tanzania, Russia, and the U.S., today, Australia is the primary source and has been since the 1960s.

The allure of chrysoprase

What we notice first in chrysoprase is color — its shade of green is bright and refreshing. Perfect for an early spring gemstone! It can range from semi-translucent to opaque, and the finest chrysoprase stones have a somewhat glassy appearance as well as an inner radiance that draws us in. This last is especially noticeable in larger beads or cabochons of superior quality.

Not only is chrysoprase alluring on its own, but it is remarkably adept at mixing with other vibrant gemstones — the "balancing" of its gentle (albeit bright) color and the intensity of other bold hues working well together, both visually and in terms of crystal energy. Chrysoprase paired with lapis and amethyst are examples of this.

Chrysoprase stones that show its host rock, goethite, with its varied brown tones, are preferred by some for their contrast to the green. These stones with matrix can make stunning jewelry.

Green gemstones can pose a challenge for some skin tones, but because there is more blue rather than yellow in fine chrysoprase, it's attractive on a wide range of complexions. It also plays beautifully set against silver, gold, and rose gold — allowing for a variety of jewelry options and preferences.

Symbolism and energy

Chrysoprase has long been associated with the heart — in the sense of emotional openness and compassion. It's considered nurturing and helpful for self-love. As a stone of harmony and balance, it is thought to encourage optimism as well as emotional healing — in particular when it comes to healing old wounds and dealing with anxiety.

Whether you believe in crystal energy or not, there's no question that color psychology supports the notion of chrysoprase as having a calming, balancing effect. (Spend a few minutes with chrysoprase beads or chrysoprase jewelry, and you will experience its soothing "magic" for yourself.)

Fun facts about chrysoprase

  • Chrysoprase is unlike most green stones in the source of its coloring, which comes from nickel rather than chromium, which colors emerald, chrome diopside, and others.
  • Chrysoprase is a variety of chalcedony, which means it's in the same family as agate, jasper, and onyx.
  • Chrysoprase can fade in direct sunlight if left for a long period of time. It should also not be stored in dry conditions.
  • Legend has it that Alexander the Great wore chrysoprase into battle to bring him victory. That was more than 2,000 years ago, so true or not, it's an indicator of how long chrysoprase has been around and considered a stone of protection!
  • Fine chrysoprase is occasionally mistaken for jade, given the resemblance.

By the way...

By the way… one of my favorite abstract expressionist artists, Franz Kline, was a May baby. Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, on May 23, 1910, he is best known for his bold, gestural brushwork in black and white. The dynamism and energy of his large canvases can be felt when you immerse yourself in them. Delicious.

Looking at tourmalinated quartz, I immediately "flash" to the excitement of his paintings, and that visceral connection adds to the pleasure I take in both this artist's work and that particular gemstone.

Another May baby of interest — New Yorker Ellsworth Kelly, born May 31, 1923. While he is widely known for his paintings of primary color in geometric forms, personally, I find his fine line drawings and prints of leaves and flowers to be exquisite — open, airy, and sensual.

Explore the work of both of these 20th century artists and see what you think.

 

Jewelry shown above:

 

Back to blog