In the “Birth of Venus,” Sandro Botticelli depicts the Roman goddess of love, rising from the sea, fully grown. Considered the bringer of fertility, prosperity, and victory, she was set apart from her fellow gods and goddesses by her physical beauty. It’s fitting, then, that chrysoprase is known as the Stone of Venus. Its unique structure sets it apart from its more common crystalline quartz cousins like amethyst and citrine.
Chrysoprase is made of exceptionally fine crystals, so small they can’t be seen even under standard magnification, with microscopic inclusions of nickel. Its color, ranging from pale mint to deep emerald green, aligns with the colors of spring when tender plants emerge from fertile soil.
As far back as the Iron Age, humans have used chrysoprase as an adornment, often polishing its surface to a milky shine and forming the stone into a cabochon. Perhaps it’s because of the natural joy and optimism the stone brings, a byproduct of embracing love and desire, but leaders throughout history have had an affinity for chrysoprase. Alexander the Great was said to wear a talisman of chrysoprase into battle to help him emerge victorious. Cleopatra thought it might help her retain her youth. King Frederick of Prussia incorporated it into his favorite palace at Potsdam and gave gifts of snuffboxes made of the stone and decorated with gold and diamonds.
Ancient healers believed the stone capable of speeding physical healing. With its strong association with love, chrysoprase is said to mend broken hearts, foster a happy marriage, and act as a natural anti-depressant.