Chrysoprase

Chrysoprase is a yellowish green to green translucent chalcedony. The green color is caused by trace nickel. The name comes from the Greek words for “golden apple” or “golden leek”.

Chrysoprase was present but not common in ancient Greece and ancient Rome. It first became common in the 1700s after substantial deposits were found in Poland, but most material today comes from Australia. Because the supply is not large, it is not widely used.

Ordinary chalcedony and agate is sometimes dyed to simulate chrysoprase, so always ask whether it is natural or dyed. Chrome chalcedony is similar, but in that case the color comes from chromium rather than nickel.