Yerilla Chrysoprase Gemstone Cabochon Hand Crafted By LEXX STONES 18 carats

Here for your consideration is an exceptional hand crafted Australian Chrysoprase cabochon. This gorgeous polymorph cryptocrystalline form of quartz silica is a favorite in the lapidary community and coveted for it's nickel-rich vibrant semi-translucency. Hues change from Aqua Green to Vibrant Green, depending on lighting with some quartz inclusions.

The majority of chrysoprase mined in Western Australia came from a place called Yerilla which is about 100 miles north of Kalgoorlie which in turn is approximately 400 miles east of the capital, Perth. Yerilla is located in a belt of country some hundreds of miles in extent that in areas extremely rich in nickel and where nickel is mined.

In the ultramafic rocks that host the mineralization, certain secondary minerals occur. The two most common are magnesite and opaline silica.  Weathering and alteration (oxidation) of silicate minerals such as serpentine during lateritzation generates iron oxides and releases silica and nickel which are transported down through the developing laterite profile to be re-deposited in veins and nodules (possibly replacing magnesite) where chemical conditions provide favorable sites.  The opaline silica can take various forms such as multi-colored dendritic opalite, moss agate (dendritic chalcedony) and of course...chrysoprase!

 

The word "chrysoprase" comes from the Greek “chrys,” meaning 'gold or yellow' and “prase,” meaning 'green'. Chrysoprase used to be referred to as “the stone of Venus,” and was often used by the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians to make seals, signets, jewelry and other ornamental objects because of its beautiful, vivid green color. Chrysoprase is said to have been the favorite gemstone of Alexander the Great.
Watery, vitreous polish front and back. Standard radius dome. A cool collectible!

Perfect size for collecting, bezel setting a chunky ring or necklace, PMC, wire wrap or your next metal, wood or restoration project. Use Your Imagination - We love creative people!

Photographs taken dry under full spectrum LEDs.
Hand crafted by Lexx.

Length- 21.65 mm
Width - 16.37 mm
Thickness - 6.47 mm
Weight - 18 carats
Origin - Yerilla, Western Australia

Custom jobs are always welcome - We Love Creative People!

 

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