Chrysoprase gemstone beads

Chrysoprase is one of the rarest gemstone varieties of chalcedony quartz. Chrysoprase is available in many shades of green, ranging from light, mint-green to deep apple-green. Most green gemstones are colored by chromium or iron, but this rare form of cryptocrystalline quartz is colored by nickel impurities. Until the introduction of another rare green-blue chalcedony known as 'gem silica' or 'chrysocolla chalcedony', chrysoprase was considered the most valuable of all quartz gemstones beads. Some of the finest specimens are said to come from Central Queensland, Australia. Fine Australian chrysoprase can possess a translucency, luster and vivid green color reminiscent of fine quality jade.