Handmade Chrysoprase Brass Necklace
Mohs: 6.5-7
Origins: Poland, Australia, Brazil, Madagascar
Properties: Supports and expands the heart chakra, using negative feelings and promoting joy. It's said to attract new love and abundance, and helps to prepare the system for new phases in life. Brings restful, sleep aids, general relaxation.
History: For hundreds of years, the only major source of Chrysoprase was a region of Southwestern Poland between the Czech Republic and Germany, formally known as Lower Silesia. This area has a complex geology and is extremely rich and all kinds of mineral deposits, including gold, silver, serpentine, Quartz, Marvel, Granite, alabaster - and chrysoprase.
Stone artifacts from as far back as the Iron Age show the long history of Silesian carving and masonry. In the 18th century, Frederick, the second, King of Prussia (now part of Germany), conquered lower Silesia. In particular, he wanted its deposits of green chrysoprase, which he used to decorate the house of his favorite Palace at Potsdam near Berlin. Today, find examples of chrysoprase are also found in Australia, Brazil, and Madagascar.
