The tenth Foundation Stone of New Jerusalem.

Chrysoprase is a translucent, bright apple or grassy green variety of chalcedony. The green color comes from nickel. It is the most valuable variety of chalcedony. The modern word comes from the Greek ‘chrusoprasos’ and literally translated is ‘chrusos’ meaning ‘golden’ and ‘prason’ meaning ‘a leek’, indicating the color of the stone. Chrysoprase has been discovered in archaeological digs in ancient Egypt. A necklace which included chrysoprase beads was found on a mummy dating back to 1500 BC. The most famous deposits of chrysoprase came from Silesia (a former Prussian province). It is a popular choice for use for beads, cameos and cabochons. The Hebrew word for chrysoprase, ‘tarshish’ literally means ‘golden stone’ and was taken from the region that produced it: Tartessus. Today, chrysoprase is mined in Australia, Russia (the Ural Mtns.), Brazil, and the western USA. The highest quality chyrsoprase is found in parts of Australian which explains why it is also called ‘Australian jade’.

During the Middle Ages, it was believed that if one who was condemned for crime held the stone in his mouth he would escape the just punishment of his crime. Folklore says that chrysoprase bridges the awareness of spiritual self and physical self. This brings healing, joy and laughter. It is said that chrysoprase teaches how to love life and yourself as well as your shortcomings. Chrysoprase is for trust, security, hope, and acceptance. It relieves anxiety and promotes restful sleep.

One of the earliest writers to associate with the apostles the symbolism of the gems given in Revelations is by Andreas, bishop of Caesurae. He gives a brief description of the stones, which is recounted in George F. Kunz's book The Curious Lore of Precious Stones (1913). The chrysoprase, more brightly tinged with a gold hue than gold itself, symbolizes St. Thaddaeus.