Green Chalcedony
Chrysoprase
A variety of Chalcedony
What is Green Chalcedony?
Green Chalcedony is an attractive and highly popular variety of Chalcedony that gets its apple-green color from its nickel content. It consists of a number of randomly oriented small crystals; thanks to these microcrystals, green Chalcedony appears to transmit light constantly when rotating through 360 degrees. It is regularly cut into gems, beads, and cabochons. Green Chalcedony is a birthstone of May.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.530-1.543
- Birefringence
- 0.004
- Pleochroism
- None
- Optical Character
- Biaxial positive
- Dispersion
- 0.013
Discover Values
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Green Chalcedony before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Green Chalcedony Localities Map
See where Green Chalcedony is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Characteristics of Green Chalcedony
As with all forms of chalcedony, chrysoprase has a hardness of 6–7 on the Mohs hardness scale and a conchoidal fracture like flint.
Formation of Green Chalcedony
Chrysoprase results from the deep weathering or lateritization of nickeliferous serpentinites or other ultramafic ophiolite rocks. In the Australian deposits, chrysoprase occurs as veins and nodules with brown goethite and other iron oxides in the magnesite-rich saprolite below an iron and silica cap.
Health & Safety Information
- ⚠️Green Chalcedony in powdered form can be toxic due to its Crystalline Silica content.
- ⚠️Quartz, silica, crystalline silica and flint are non-toxic materials, but very fine dust containing quartz, known as respirable crystalline silicon (RCS), can cause serious and fatal lung disease. Lapidaries should exercise caution when cutting silica.
- ⚠️Green Chalcedony is typically non-toxic unless it's in powder form. Long-term exposure to finely ground powder may lead to silicosis. Therefore, when cutting or polishing green Chalcedony, be sure to wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling its dust.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Apple-green, green
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 6.5 - 7
- Density
- 2.65 - 2.66 g/cm³
- Streak
- Brown, white
- Luster
- Waxy
- Crystal System
- Trigonal
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- SiO2
- Elements
- O, Si
Also Known As
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Green Chalcedony FAQs
How do I identify Green Chalcedony?
Green Chalcedony can be identified by its hardness of 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs scale, Apple-green color, Waxy luster, Trigonal crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Green Chalcedony?
Green Chalcedony typically appears in Apple-green, green. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Green Chalcedony?
Green Chalcedony has a hardness of 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the characteristics of green chalcedony of Green Chalcedony?
As with all forms of chalcedony, chrysoprase has a hardness of 6–7 on the Mohs hardness scale and a conchoidal fracture like flint.
What is the formation of green chalcedony of Green Chalcedony?
Chrysoprase results from the deep weathering or lateritization of nickeliferous serpentinites or other ultramafic ophiolite rocks. In the Australian deposits, chrysoprase occurs as veins and nodules with brown goethite and other iron oxides in the magnesite-rich saprolite below an iron and silica cap.