Lyla Lindsey
Chrysoprase is a vibrant green gemstone, a variety of quartz, and one of the rarest and most highly prized varieties of chalcedony. The best chrysoprase deposits can be found in Queensland, Australia, particularly in the famous Marlborough deposits near Rockhampton in Central Queensland. The stone is also found in Western Australia, with well-known deposits in Yerilla, Marshall Pool, Yundamindra, Jamieson, and Wingellina.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour | Monochromatic green with nickel salts |
| Formation | In ultramafic rocks associated with nickel laterites |
| Notable Mines | Marlborough deposits near Rockhampton, Queensland; Yerilla, Marshall Pool, Yundamindra, Jamieson, and Wingellina deposits in Western Australia |
| Quality | The best quality material is mined from Marlborough deposits near Rockhampton |
| Rarity | One of the rarest varieties of chalcedony |
| Symbolism | Love, luck, and peace |
| Purchasing Factors | Colour intensity, clarity, translucency, and cut |
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What You'll Learn
Marlborough deposits near Rockhampton, Queensland
Chrysoprase is a semi-precious gemstone that is a green-coloured form of chalcedony, a crypto-crystalline variety of quartz. It is one of the rarest and most highly prized varieties of chalcedony. The name "chrysoprase" comes from the Greek and translates as "Golden Greenstone". Chrysoprase is found in ultramafic rocks associated with nickel laterites, from which the stone gets its colour.
The best quality chrysoprase is mined from the famous Marlborough deposits near Rockhampton in Central Queensland. Marlborough is a small rural town and coastal locality in the Livingstone Shire, Queensland, Australia. It is situated 102 kilometres north of Rockhampton on the Bruce Highway. The town is a small service centre for the surrounding area and is one of a number of fuelling points on an otherwise isolated stretch of highway.
Marlborough is famous for producing the world's finest chrysoprase, a semi-precious gem once coveted by historical figures such as Alexander the Great and Cleopatra. The small but high-grade deposit is located about 20 kilometres south-southwest of the township and is universally regarded as the most valuable find in the world.
There is motel and caravan park-style accommodation available in Marlborough, as well as the Marlborough Historical Museum to visit. The town also has an Anglican church and is within the Parish of North Rockhampton (also known as the All Saints Anglican Community) within the Anglican Church of Central Queensland.
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Western Australia deposits: Yerilla, Marshall Pool
The Marshall Pool deposit is located in the Leonora Shire of Western Australia, approximately 70 kilometres north-north-west of Leonora, 10 kilometres west of the Teutonic Bore mine, and 5.5 kilometres east of Marshall Pool. The site is characterised by the presence of widespread chrysoprase and nickeliferous magnesite within a belt of serpentine-talc and talc-chlorite schist. The nearby Marshall Creek Mine is also noted for its proximity to the Hangover Bore Ni deposit. While maps indicate the presence of a Marshall Pool Mine to the south, the exact locations of exploration pits do not align with modern nickel exploration efforts, suggesting that the extensive exploration in the area may be primarily focused on nickel rather than chrysoprase.
The Yerilla deposit is another significant source of chrysoprase in Western Australia. Chrysoprase, a rare and prized form of chalcedony, forms in ultramafic rocks associated with nickel laterites, which impart the stone with its distinctive colour. Hot, silica-rich groundwater leaches nickel from the laterite, contributing to the formation of chrysoprase. In some countries, chrysoprase is considered a symbol of love, luck, and peace, and it is believed to possess magical powers.
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Kookynie near Kalgoorlie, Western Australia
Kookynie, a small town located north of Coolgardie and east of Perth in Western Australia, is known for its rich history and authentic 'ghost town' status. Once a bustling centre with a population of around 1500 people in 1905, Kookynie now has only about 15 inhabitants. Despite its remote location in the vast Australian outback, it remains an intriguing destination for those interested in exploring the country's mining past and discovering unique gemstones.
Kookynie is particularly renowned for its chrysoprase deposits, a rare and highly prized variety of green chalcedony quartz. The word 'chrysoprase' derives from the Greek, translating as 'Golden Greenstone'. This gemstone is formed in ultramafic rocks associated with nickel laterites, which lend the stone its distinctive colour.
The deposit near Kookynie was previously a significant source of chrysoprase. Visitors to Kookynie can explore the surrounding area, which is rich in mining history, and learn more about the town's past as a thriving community with numerous hotels, electric street lights, public baths, and even a brewery.
To reach Kookynie, travellers can embark on a two-hour drive from Coolgardie or a ten-hour journey from Perth. Along the way, they will encounter the remote and rugged beauty of the Australian outback, including the iconic Niagara Dam, which is located near the town. The dam's water levels fluctuate, but after good cyclone activity, it becomes a popular destination for locals and visitors seeking a refreshing dip.
Although Kookynie may be involved in legal matters regarding its chrysoprase mine, it still offers visitors a glimpse into the past and a chance to explore the natural beauty and geological wonders of Western Australia.
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Mining process: D-8 Caterpillar bulldozer
Chrysoprase, a rare and highly prized form of chalcedony, can be found in several locations in Australia. The best quality chrysoprase is mined from the Marlborough deposits near Rockhampton in Central Queensland. In Western Australia, the gemstone can be found in the Yerilla, Marshall Pool, Yundamindra, Jamieson, and Wingellina deposits.
Mining for chrysoprase and other gemstones in Australia may involve the use of heavy machinery such as bulldozers. One of the most popular large track-type tractors in the world is the Caterpillar D9, which is commonly used in construction, demolition, forestry, mining, waste management, and quarry operations. The Caterpillar D9 is a powerful and durable machine with an operating weight of 49 short tons (44 tonnes). It is equipped with a detachable large blade and a rear ripper attachment, making it versatile and efficient for various tasks.
Another notable bulldozer in the Caterpillar range is the D11, which was introduced in 1986 to replace the D10 model. The Caterpillar D11 is the largest and most powerful bulldozer in the company's lineup, weighing in at 248,500 pounds (112,700 kilograms). It is primarily used in the mining industry to move large quantities of material, such as dirt, rock, and soil, over short distances. The D11's blade has a capacity of 45 cubic yards (34 cubic metres), and it is powered by a 770 horsepower (570 kW) engine.
The Caterpillar D11 features an elevated drive sprocket or "High Drive" system, which gives it a triangular-shaped track instead of the oval shape found on competitors' models. This design enhances the machine's stability and traction, especially when dealing with challenging terrain and heavy loads. The D11's blade also comes in different varieties, including the straight blade ("S-Blade") for fine grading and the universal blade ("U-Blade") for carrying larger volumes of material.
The Caterpillar D-8, specifically, is a powerful and versatile bulldozer that can be utilized in various mining applications. While specific details about the D-8 model are scarce, Caterpillar's range of bulldozers showcases the company's expertise in providing machines suited for a wide range of tasks. The D-8 Caterpillar bulldozer can be expected to possess the hallmark characteristics of Caterpillar's design philosophy, incorporating durability, performance, and versatility to meet the demands of the mining industry and other challenging tasks.
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$131.99
Symbol of love, luck and peace
Chrysoprase is a symbol of love, luck, and peace. This green-hued gemstone is a variety of chalcedony, a crypto-crystalline form of quartz. It is a rare and highly prized stone, derived from the Greek "chrysos" meaning golden and "prason" meaning green stone. The stone's vibrant colour and unique translucency make it a desirable gemstone.
Chrysoprase is found in several locations in Australia, particularly Queensland. The Marlborough deposits near Rockhampton in Central Queensland are known for yielding high-quality chrysoprase. This gemstone is formed in ultramafic rocks associated with nickel laterites, which give the stone its distinctive colour. Mining involves using a bulldozer to rip up the rocks containing chrysoprase, followed by miners who collect the loose chunks with hammers and buckets.
Western Australia is another significant source of chrysoprase, with notable deposits in Yerilla, Marshall Pool, Yundamindra, Jamieson, and Wingellina. The deposit near Kookynie, located about 100 kilometres east of Perth, was previously a productive source of chrysoprase but is currently involved in legal matters. The mining process in Western Australia involves navigating the Outback desert, dodging kangaroos and emus, and protecting vehicles with "roo bars" to prevent collisions with wildlife.
When purchasing chrysoprase, several factors determine the quality and value of the gemstone. The colour intensity of the stone should be evenly distributed in a rich green hue, without any brown or grey undertones. Clarity is also essential, as visible inclusions can detract from the stone's beauty. A high level of translucency is desirable, allowing light to pass through and showcase the gemstone's captivating allure. Finally, the cut of the stone should enhance its natural colour and maximise brilliance, with well-proportioned and symmetrical cuts being the most aesthetically pleasing.
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Frequently asked questions
Chrysoprase is a green-coloured form of chalcedony, a crypto-crystalline variety of quartz. It is a rare and highly prized gemstone.
Chrysoprase contains an assortment of nickel salts, which give it its distinctive green colour.
The best chrysoprase deposits in Australia are found in Queensland, particularly in Marlborough near Rockhampton in Central Queensland. There are also deposits in Western Australia, including Yerilla, Marshall Pool, Yundamindra, Jamieson, and Wingellina.
Chrysoprase forms in the thick veins of rock that make up entire hills. Mining involves using a bulldozer to rip up the rocks veined with chrysoprase, then collecting the loose chunks of the gemstone.
When examining a chrysoprase gemstone, look for a rich, even green colour throughout. The stone should also be highly translucent, with a well-proportioned, symmetrical cut to showcase its natural colour and brilliance.
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