Chrysoprasus
Chrysopra'sus (χρυσόπρασος, mentioned in Re 21:20, as the tenth row of stones in the foundation of the heavenly Jerusalem), a precious stone of greenish-golden color, or apple-green, passing into a grass-green (Pliny, Hist. Nat. 27:20, 21); an Indian translucent gem, so called as resembling in color the juice of the leek (πρἀσον), with golden spots (χρυσός) — a species of beryl, supposed to be possessed of healing power in diseases of the eyes. Its spotted character may be inferred from the name given to it by Pliny (Hist. Nat. 37, c. 8), pardalios, or, rather, pantherion, from its resembling the leopard-skin (see Braun. de Vest. Sac. Heb. 2, c. 9, p. 509). The chrysoprase of the ancients is by some supposed to be identical with the stone now so called, viz. the apple or leek-green variety of agate, or uncrystallized quartz (London Encyclopaedia, s.v.), which owes its color to oxide of nickel; this stone at present is found only in Silesia; but Mr. King (Antique Gems, p. 59. note) says that the true chrysoprase is sometimes found in antique Egyptian jewelry set alternately with bits of lapis-lazuli. SEE GEM.
In Ge 2:12, the Sept. renders the word שֹׁהִם, sho'ham, by chrysoprase (λίθος ὁ πράσινος), but they were probably different gems. SEE BERYL.
