Oval chrysoprase cabochon, 13×7.5×2.6 mm, hand-cut in our workshop from rough material from Indonesia. Uniform apple green, bright and clean, with no visible inclusions. Very flat profile makes it an ideal choice for lightweight pendants or low bezel settings in 925 silver.
Piece Details
| Mineral |
Chrysoprase (chalcedony colored with Ni²⁺ silicates) |
| Dimensions |
13 × 7.5 × 2.6 mm ±0.5 mm |
| Shape and Back |
Elongated freeform oval, flat back |
| Finish |
Mirror polish |
| Hardness |
6.5–7 Mohs — we recommend a closed bezel setting |
| Origin |
Indonesia |
| Treatment |
Untreated |
| Piece Type |
One-of-a-kind |
This specific piece
The chrysoprase in this piece shows a pure, high-saturation apple green with no visible inclusions to the naked eye. The 2.6 mm profile makes it a very flat piece, designed for shallow settings or slice pendants where weight is a factor. Under direct light, the top layer has a slight translucence that hints at the depth of the color.
The elongated oval cut was chosen to make the most of the rough fragment, preserving the area of highest saturation along the central axis of the piece.
How green forms in chrysoprase
Chrysoprase is a variety of chalcedony (microcrystalline quartz, SiO₂) whose green color is due to nanometric inclusions of nickel silicates —willemsite and pimelite— distributed within the microcrystalline mass. Deposits, associated with weathering zones of nickel-rich serpentinites, are found in Australia, Poland, Indonesia, and Tanzania.
What setting it works for
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Flat bezel setting (925 silver or other precious metals) — the low profile makes a narrow-tab bezel the ideal choice; the piece gains visual presence without requiring much metal
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Slice or medallion pendants — the flat shape and clean color make this cabochon an elegant choice for minimalist silver pendants
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Wire wrap — the flat back facilitates wrapping from the base without adding bulk
Chrysoprase in history
Chrysoprase was known in ancient Greco-Roman times. Pliny the Elder mentions it in Naturalis Historia as a variety of prase with intense color. For centuries it was confused with emerald; it was Georgius Agricola who distinguished them in the 16th century. In the 18th century, Frederick the Great of Prussia decorated Sanssouci with Silesian chrysoprase, elevating it to a luxury stone in the European court.
In crystal tradition, chrysoprase is associated with joy and renewed confidence. It is considered the stone for those who embark on new projects with willpower and clarity.
The symbolic properties attributed to minerals belong to cultural and historical traditions. They are shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice.
How to recognize genuine chrysoprase
Chrysoprase can be confused with jade or green aventurine. Chrysoprase has a more vivid green than nephrite jade (waxy) and lacks the silvery mica inclusions of aventurine. Under magnification, chalcedony shows a very fine and uniform texture. Dyed glass has microscopic bubbles and a perfectly homogeneous color that does not appear in natural stone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the green color treated or natural?
Natural. The green comes from nickel silicates distributed in the mineral mass. No detectable treatment. Statement based on lapidary observation; the piece does not include formal gemological certification.
What type of jewelry is this cabochon suitable for?
Due to its flat profile (2.6 mm), it is ideal for slice pendants, rings with low bezels, or lightweight earrings. We recommend a closed bezel setting.
How do you care for chrysoprase?
Clean with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid prolonged exposure to intense direct sunlight (it can lighten the color over time), alkalis, and ultrasonics. More information in our jewelry care guide.
Are the dimensions exact?
The measurements (13 × 7.5 × 2.6 mm) are for reference. Tolerance ±0.5 mm due to being hand-cut.
More about chrysoprase: properties and uses. See also: cabochon collection · lapidary workshop.
