Definition

Noun: A green variety of chalcedony (a type of quartz), valued as a gemstone. Its distinctive green color is typically caused by trace amounts of nickel.

Examples

• The jeweler set the brilliant chrysoprase in a silver ring.
• Chrysoprase is sometimes mistaken for jade due to its similar green hue.
• Ancient Greeks and Romans highly prized chrysoprase for its beauty.

Advanced Usage

• "Apple-green chrysoprase": A common descriptor for the most valued color of this gemstone, which resembles the skin of a green apple.
  • The museum displayed a necklace of flawless, apple-green chrysoprase.

Variants and Related Words

• Chalcedony (n): The broader mineral family (a microcrystalline form of quartz) to which chrysoprase belongs. Agate, carnelian, and onyx are other varieties of chalcedony.

Synonyms

• Gemstone: A general term for a precious or semi-precious stone, especially one cut and polished for jewelry.
• Green chalcedony: A descriptive synonym that specifies both the color and mineral type.

Related Terms

• Prase: Another green variety of quartz, but its color usually comes from chlorite or hornblende inclusions, not nickel, making it distinct from chrysoprase.

Noun

1. a green variety of chalcedony valued as a gemstone