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Lemon Chrysoprase
Lemon Chrysoprase is carbonate (nickeloan magnesite), (Mg,Ni)CO₃. In the hand, it rates 3.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, and it runs lemon yellow-green and chartreuse. Chartreuse 'chrysoprase' that fails the chrysoprase tests, knife-soft, opaque waxy lemon-lime stone that is actually nickel-tinted magnesite. Nickel laterites of Western Australia (Kalgoorlie region), usually mined alongside true chrysoprase.
The geology.
Lemon Chrysoprase carries the formula (Mg,Ni)CO₃. It belongs to the trigonal system. Its listing category is carbonate (nickeloan magnesite).
It sits at 3.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads waxy to dull. Light behaviour is opaque to faintly translucent. Specific gravity runs 3.0 to 3.1. The streak is white. It breaks with conchoidal to uneven fracture.
Chartreuse 'chrysoprase' that fails the chrysoprase tests, knife-soft, opaque waxy lemon-lime stone that is actually nickel-tinted magnesite.
It turns up mostly as tumbled, beads, palm stones or carvings.
The origins.
Nickel laterites of Western Australia (Kalgoorlie region), usually mined alongside true chrysoprase.
On value, the database notes: affordable; mislabeling is the only trap.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, sold with chrysoprase's optimism themes, honest sellers label it citron magnesite.
This is lore, and we label it as lore. The measurable facts are further up the page.
Spotting the real thing.
Chartreuse 'chrysoprase' that fails the chrysoprase tests, knife-soft, opaque waxy lemon-lime stone that is actually nickel-tinted magnesite.
The name IS the warning: 'lemon chrysoprase' is magnesite; pricing should be magnesite-level, not gem chrysoprase.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| True chrysoprase | Real chrysoprase scratches glass and glows translucent apple-green; lemon material is soft and opaque |
| Gaspeite | Gaspeite is richer apple green with brown web veins and heavier feel |
| Serpentine | Serpentine doesn't fizz even in warm acid; citron magnesite does |
At-home tests.
A loupe and a window seat settle most questions about lemon chrysoprase. No workshop required.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| Scratch check | Knife scratches it easily (the chrysoprase killer) |
| Acid check | Fizzes in warm vinegar |
| By eye | Opaque waxy look without gel translucence |
Anything that scratches, burns or dissolves the piece is a lab job. Get it appraised rather than testing it apart.
Care & handling.
At 3.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale this is a soft material. Keep it as a display piece, store it apart from harder stones, and skip daily-wear settings.
It breaks with conchoidal to uneven fracture, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Warm water and a soft cloth clean almost everything. Ultrasonic tanks, steamers and household cleaners are where pieces get ruined.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is (Mg,Ni)CO₃. Crystal system: Trigonal. Specific gravity: 3.0 to 3.1. Streak: White. Cleavage and fracture: Conchoidal to uneven fracture.
How it reaches the market
Nickel laterites of Western Australia (Kalgoorlie region), usually mined alongside true chrysoprase.
What it gets confused with
True chrysoprase: Real chrysoprase scratches glass and glows translucent apple-green; lemon material is soft and opaque. Gaspeite: Gaspeite is richer apple green with brown web veins and heavier feel. Serpentine: Serpentine doesn't fizz even in warm acid; citron magnesite does.
What it is worth
Affordable; mislabeling is the only trap.
Where buyers get caught
The name IS the warning: 'lemon chrysoprase' is magnesite; pricing should be magnesite-level, not gem chrysoprase.
One more thing
Australia exports both stones from the same hills, the lemon one borrowed its richer cousin's name and never gave it back.
An education-first guide.
No product links here. We do not sell lemon chrysoprase, and a guide that only covers our own shelves would not be much of a guide.
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