Chrysoprase, or chrysoprasus is derived from the Greek words “chrisos” which means “gold” and “prasino” which means “green” (or “praso” which means “leek”). This gemstone is a variety of chalcedony that comes in a leek-, apple- or grape-green color, depending on the nickel content and the geological formation of the deposit. The best known sources of chrysoprase are Australia, USA, Russia, Poland, Madagascar, and Germany. It is cryptocrystalline, which means that its crystals are so minute that they cannot be distinguished even under magnification and this differentiates chrysoprase from crystalline rocks, like amethyst, which are almost transparent and formed by easily visible hexagonal crystals. Agate and onyx are also cryptocrystalline. What makes chrysoprase unique is its color rather than its formations. Its Mohs hardness is 6 to 7.
All minerals used for the creation of our kombolois are mostly gemstones used to craft jewelry. Please treat your komboloi with care. Inclusions, cracks and breakage surfaces are a natural phenomenon and should never be associated with wear and tear.