Chrysoprase Braid Bracelet

Description

Chrysoprase is a cryptocrystalline quartz, meaning its crystals are so small that they are indistinguishable under normal magnification. The light apple, mint and deep green colors come from trace amounts of nickle present during the formation process. Chrysoprase takes it’s name from the Greek word ‘chrysos’, meaning gold, and ‘prasos’, meaning leek; the name Australian Jade in turn is due to that fact that most of the world’s chrysoprase is found in Australia. Discovered in Marlborough in the early 1900s and commercially mined since the 1960s, much of the material found in Marlborough found its way to the People’s Republic of China as a popular jade substitute; leading to the misnomer. Possesses a soft translucence and prized for its bright, even color and texture.