3.45" Free-Standing, Polished Brecciated Chrysoprase - Madagascar

Chrysoprase (also chrysophrase or chrysoprasus) is a gemstone variety of chalcedony that contains small quantities of nickel, which lends it its apple-green to deep green color.

Chrysoprase is cryptocrystalline, which means that it is composed of crystals so fine that they cannot be seen as distinct particles under normal magnification. This sets it apart from rock crystal, amethyst, citrine, and the other varieties of crystalline quartz. Other members of the cryptocrystalline silica family include agate, carnelian, and onyx. Unlike many non-transparent silica minerals, it is the color of chrysoprase, rather than any pattern of markings, that makes it desirable. The word chrysoprase comes from the Greek χρυσός (chrysos), meaning 'gold', and πράσινον (prasinon), meaning 'green'.