noun
chrysoprase
KRIS-uh-prayz
Chrysoprase (noun) means a pale green, translucent variety of quartz. Example: “The pendant was set with a polished piece of chrysoprase.”
noun
1
A pale green, translucent variety of quartz.
"The pendant was set with a polished piece of chrysoprase."
"Chrysoprase is often cut into cabochons for jewellery."
"She collected several samples of chrysoprase on the mineral tour."
How to use chrysoprase
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishChrysoprase is a soft green stone used in jewellery.
When to use it
This is a specialist mineralogy term, used mainly by jewellers and gem collectors.
Memory tip
Remember the green colour by linking chryso- (gold) with -prase, an old word for a leek-green shade.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
a piece of chrysoprase
polished chrysoprase
chrysoprase jewellery
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The pendant was set with a polished piece of _____.
Etymology
The word comes from Ancient Greek khrusoprasos. It reached English through the term used for this green quartz stone.
Rhymes for chrysoprase
See all rhymes for chrysoprase →Frequently asked questions
What is chrysoprase?
Chrysoprase is a variety of quartz that is pale green and translucent, prized as a gemstone.
What gives chrysoprase its colour?
The grounding text does not state what causes its colour, so this cannot be confirmed here.
Is chrysoprase the same as jade?
No, chrysoprase is a form of quartz, not jade, though the two can look similar because both come in green.
What is the meaning of chrysoprase?
"chrysoprase" (noun) means a pale green, translucent variety of quartz.
