Lemon Chrysoprase
Quartz var. Chrysoprase (Nickel-bearing chalcedony) · Semi-Precious Gemstone and Decorative Stone
Crystal System
Trigonal, microcrystalline habit (massive, tumbled)
Mineral Group
Silicates, specific subgroup Tectosilicate
Chemical Formula
SiO2 with trace amounts of nickel
Formation Process
Secondary sedimentary/hydrothermal formation, precipitating from silica-rich groundwater containing dissolved nickel in weathered ultramafic rocks.
About This Crystal
A smooth, highly polished, tumbled stone displaying a vibrant, translucent to subtranslucent pale yellow to lime-greenish-yellow color. It has a waxy to vitreous luster with a uniform coloration and subtle natural inclusions.
Physical Characteristics
Color is pale yellow/lime green, streak is white, cleavage is absent, fracture is conchoidal to uneven, specific gravity is approximately 2.58 to 2.64, tenacity is brittle.
Optical Properties
Refractive index ranges from 1.530 to 1.540, doubly refractive with microcrystalline birefringence, pleochroism is not observable due to microcrystalline structure.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Western Australia, Tanzania, Brazil, and Madagascar; typically forms in nickel-rich weathering zones of serpentinites.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, good toughness making it durable for daily wear in jewelry, stable under normal light and temperature conditions.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, avoid harsh chemical cleaners, prolonged exposure to extreme heat, and direct sunlight for extended periods to prevent dehydration.
Rarity & Value
Uncommon variety of chalcedony; value depends on color saturation, translucency, and size. Generally affordable with prices varying from modest to moderate for high-grade material.
Special Characteristics
Contains trace amounts of nickel which give it the characteristic apple-green to lemon-yellow coloration, contrasting with standard iron-colored chalcedony.
Lore & History
Associated with joy, optimism, and emotional healing. Often linked to the solar plexus and heart chakras in crystal healing traditions, though these are traditional beliefs without scientific backing.