What a strenuous, persistent, magnificent life! I have, for the past week, been entirely consumed by an assortment of projects, as I am sure you have, and in the flow of things I nearly forgot to check in. So, hello, and welcome once again to The Novice’s Grimoire. Let’s take a moment, collectively breathe, pull up a chair to our favorite table, and indulge in a hearty serving of chocolate—because it has been that kind of week—and talk about the crystal chrysoprase.
Crystal – Chrysoprase
Mineral Class: Oxide, Quartz group
Energy: Receptive
Planet: Venus
Elements: Earth
Deity: Vesta (some sources say Venus)
Powers: Happiness, Luck, Success, Friendship, Protection, Healing, Money
What a strenuous, persistent, magnificent life! I have, for the past week, been entirely consumed by an assortment of projects, as I am sure you have, and in the flow of things I nearly forgot to check in. So, hello, and welcome once again to The Novice’s Grimoire. Let’s take a moment, collectively breathe, pull up a chair to our favorite table, and indulge in a hearty serving of chocolate—because it has been that kind of week—and talk about the crystal chrysoprase.
The name “chrysoprase” originates from a combination of the Greek words “chrys,” which means gold or yellow, and “prase,” which means leek—yes, the green leek found in many a recipe. Chrysoprase, in its genetic makeup, is related to the crystal chalcedony. Its signature green color is created by a chemical reaction between silic acid, nickel and water; once the water has disappeared, the stone tends to lose its apple-green hue. Being a rather sturdy stone, chrysoprase can be used as a medium for the creation of figurines, beads and various jewelry items.
All that practical information, however interesting it may be, is—in my eyes—only half as interesting as chrysoprase’s purported mystic benefits and uses. A Benedictine abbess, Hildegard von Bingen, claimed that chrysoprase has great medicinal powers in suppressing gout and detoxifying the body; how the stone was to be used to achieve these benefits is unclear. The stone may worn or carried to calm anger, prevent thoughtless speech, and also encourage a deeper, more fulfilling perception of arts, aesthetics and beauty. Remember, to engage the fully benefits of the stone, it is important to knowingly connect with its energy.
Yet the two purported abilities that caught my eyes, far and above all, are chrysoprase’s ability to prevent nightmares and create a childlike wonder of the world. To prevent nightmares, one should either place the stone under their pillow or meditate with the stone before going to bed. The energies of some stones are a little too strong to fall asleep next to, so try both methods to see what works for you. To give yourself new eyes, filled with wonder for the world and all its happenings, try wearing a set of chrysoprase earrings, then embarking on an adventure into nature.
To find a chrysoprase of your own, locally you may try searching at The Dancing Crane, Turiya’s, Golden Braid and Crone’s Hollow. Thank you for stopping in to The Novice’s Grimoire this week. I hope it has been enlightening. Join us again next week where we’ll be discussing the powers of rosemary oil.
Z. Smith is a cookie connoisseur, moonlight meanderer, and aesthete at large. His work has previously appeared in 13 Experiments, Folio, Stone Soup Review, SLUG Magazine, and CATALYST Magazine. He earned his BA in English from The University of Utah and currently writes from a room with many plants.
Resources:
Crystal Power, Crystal Healing: The Complete Handbook by Michael Gienger
Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic by Scott Cunningham