Chrome Vanadium
Chrysoprase Gemstones
Chrysoprase is considered the rarest and most valuable stone in the chalcedony quartz group. That’s quite a distinction considering that the chalcedony species also includes agate, onyx, carnelian, bloodstone and jasper. But chrysoprase, it is fair to say, is also the least known of all the chalcedony varieties.
The term chalcedony refers both to the bluish-white-gray variety in particular and to all the cryptocrystalline quartzes in general. The cryptocrystalline quartzes have microscopically small crystals and a waxy or dull luster in their natural state. The familiar macrocrystalline quartzes such as amethyst and citrine have much larger crystals which are recognizable with the naked eye, and have a vitreous luster.
The name chrysoprase comes from the Greek for “gold-leek”, though the name seems inappropriate today since chrysoprase is typically an apple-green. Chrysoprase is colored by traces of nickel and is in fact one of the few gemstones colored by nickel. Most green gemstones are colored by iron (such as peridot), chromium (emerald, chrome tourmaline, chrome diopside) or vanadium (tsavorite garnet).
The color of chrysoprase can be quite vivid and is reminiscent of fine jade. The gemological references warn that the color can fade under prolonged exposure to sunlight or when heated, though the color may recover under moist storage.
Chrysoprase has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, and a density of 2.58-2.64. It has a refractive index of 1.530-1.540. It ranges from translucent to opaque.
Chrysoprase has been used as a decorative stone since ancient times. A favorite of Frederick the Great of Prussia, chrysoprase can be seen decorating many buildings in Prague, including the Chapel of St Wenceslas. Today chrysoprase is carved or fashioned in cabochons or beads. It is also popular for intaglios and cameos.
Like all forms of chalcedony, chrysoprase is durable enough for all kinds of jewelry applications, including rings. Chrysoprase is not known to be treated in any way, though dyed green agate is sometimes used as a simulant.
Chrysoprase occurs in serpentine rocks and in weathered materials of nickel ore deposits. The most famous historical deposits were in Poland, but that mine has been worked out since the 14th century. Current sources include Australia, Brazil, India, Madagascar, Tanzania,Kazakhstan, Russia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Tanzania and the USA (California).
About the Author
GemSelect is a leading online dealer in fine gemstones, including chrysoprase, sapphire, spinel, garnet, tourmaline and zircon. Chrysoprase Photos
9/16 Chrome Vanadium Aircraft End Wrench
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Faithfull SOC1230 Hexagon Socket Chrome Vanadium 30mm 1/2in Drive $15.14 |
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Faithfull SOC1228 Hexagon Socket Chrome Vanadium 28mm 1/2-inch Drive $14.57 |
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Knipex-Werk C. Gustav Putsch Cobra ES 8751250 Water Pump Pliers Chrome Vanadium $81.40 |
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Draper Expert 69666 33-Piece 3/8-Inch Square Drive Metric Chrome Vanadium Socket $131.00 |
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Draper Expert 18966 75-Piece Metric/AF Chrome Vanadium Socket Set $136.55 |
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Ironside 113042 Double-Ended Ring-Spanner 17 x 19 mm in Chrome-Vanadium-Steel $54.89 |
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Ironside 112042 Ring Spanner 30 mm in Chrome-Vanadium-Steel $64.43 |
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Ironside 112029 Ring Spanner 15 mm in Chrome-Vanadium-Steel $46.26 |
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Ironside 110028 Double-Ended Spanner 24 x 27 mm in Chrome-Vanadium-Steel $50.74 |
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Ironside 110025 Double-Ended Spanner 16 x 17 mm in Chrome-Vanadium-Steel $47.69 |
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Ironside 110020 Double-Ended Spanner 18 x 19 mm in Chrome-Vanadium-Steel $45.09 |
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Heytec 50813380080 Allen key Set with T Handle Chrome Vanadium Includes Metal Ho $57.14 |
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Heytec 50800644080 Combination Spanner Set Chrome Vanadium DIN 3110 in Plastic C $36.71 |
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Draper 33438 1/2-Inch Drive Chrome Vanadium Reversible Ratchet $27.11 |
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TOOLUX O-PL100 10″ CHROME VANADIUM LOCKING PLIERS $19.40 |
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Faithfull Chrome Vanadium Soft Grip Plier Set (3 Pieces) $38.57 |
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Blue Spot 02080 Universal Joint Set Chrome Vanadium (3 Pieces) $17.49 |
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AUTOCRAFT 9 PIECE SOCKET SET 1/4″ DRIVE,TEMPERED CHROME VANADIUM STEEL $8.00 |
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Draper Expert 33611 Metric Chrome Vanadium Socket Set (20pc 1/4″ Drive) $54.37 |
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Ironside 112040 Ring Spanner 27 mm in Chrome-Vanadium-Steel $62.03 |
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Ironside 112024 Ring Spanner 10 mm in Chrome-Vanadium-Steel $44.80 |
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Global G-38 – 10 inch, 26cm Diamond Sharpening Steel $184.95 This 10-in Diamond Sharpening Steel has a diamond-honed surface to keep your Global knives razor sharp. The steel is carefully weighted and features the same distinct handle design as the knives. This Diamond Sharpening Steel is terrific for sharpening all your knives on a weekly or monthly basis, depending upon how often you use your knives. Loved by professional chefs around the world, Global k… |
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Case Dark Red Small Texas Toothpick Chrome Vanadium Blade 610096CV Case Dark Red Small Texas Toothpick Chrome Vanadium Blade 610096CV… |
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Case Medium Stockman 3 Bld Yellow Chrome Vanadium 3-1/4 3318 Case Medium Stockman 3 Bld Yellow Chrome Vanadium 3-1/4″ 3318… |
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Chrome Vanadium EP $3.56 … |
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TEKTON 6610 5/32-Inch Letter and Number Stamp Set, 36-Piece $12.70 MIT LETTER & NUMBER PUNCH features: * Heat Treated, Chrome Vanadium Steel Punches * Black-Oxide Finished for Durability * 36 Punches Marked A-Z and 0-9 * Stamp Metal, Wood, Plastic and Leather * Permanently Imprint Names, Initials, and Codes on Personal Belongings * Helps Deter Theft and Recover Stolen Items * Punches Store in Stand-Up Wooden Index Box * Size: Shaft Length 2-3/8″, Shaft Width 1/4″… |
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TEKTON 2928 14-Piece Power Nut Driver Bit Set $4.99 This 14-piece power nut driver bit set features sandblasted, chrome vanadium steel, precision-milled, 1/4″-hex shanks made to fit all power drills, screwguns, and cordless and magnetic screwdrivers. It contains seven power nut driver bits (SAE): 3/16-inch, 1/4-inch, 9/32-inch, 5/16-inch, 11/32-inch, 3/8-inch, and 7/16-inch, and seven other power nut driver bits (metric): 5 mm, 5.5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm,… |
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Maxtech 16521MX 32-Piece Precision Bit Set $11.49 … |
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Inland 05615 Pro Computer Screwdriver Kit – 22 Pieces $14.99 Quality Tools for Professional Results!This Inland 22-Piece Screwdriver Set will be a great addition to your work shop! Inside the Carrying Case you’ll find four (4) Flathead Screwdrivers, two (2) Phillips Screwdrivers, one (1) Screwdriver Handle, fourteen (14) Assorted Bits! Order your Inland 22-Piece Screwdriver Set today!… |
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NEEWER® 6-in-1 Precision Tool Kit – Great for Watch and Eyeglass Repair! $0.01 Mobile phone repair tool, a 6 tips and 1 handle electronics screwdriver set is your good help if you want to open the cover of the mobile phone and give it a small operation. Allows you to open the phone cover easily and without damage to the cover. Description: |
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1X12IN COLD CHISEL W/GUARD $7.76 Chrome vanadium steel construction with ergonomic soft rubber grip for comfort and safety…. |
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