Lemon Chrysoprase is a nickel stained, silicified magnesite, commonly found in association with Chrysoprase. It is also known as Citron Chrysoprase or speaking chemistry, Nickeloan Magnesite.
Lemon Chrysoprase owes its unusual colours to nickel salts, which are leached from ultramafic rocks by hot, percolating ground waters. This silica rich solution is absorbed into the softer, porous magnesite which forms within the cracks and voids of the nickel rich laterite host rock. Colours range from pale yellows through to vibrant lime greens.
Lemon Chrysoprase is a cousin, in terms of colour and appearance, to Gaspeite, another nickel stained magnesite based carbonate mineral.
This large slice of Lemon Chrysoprase originates from Newman area, North Western Australia.The slice has pale green colour with different shades.
The specimen is polished on both sides, and measures 210 x 150 x 9 mm at widest points, the weight is 590 g.
Images taken outdoors in sunlight and in the shade.