Chrysoprase by Maryann Sanfilipp! As many of us will begin our yoga practice once again in the studio, I thought it might be wise to look at a stone for new beginnings. Chrysoprase is an apple-green gemstone often called the “stone of spring” and has been used as a birthstone for those born in May.
It was used by the Greek, Romans, and Egyptians as a talisman and for jewelry. An interesting story about the stone involves Alexander III, better known as Alexander the Great. As king of Macedonia he was one of the most successful undefeated commanders in Greek history. In a legend told by a Dominican friar, Alexander always wore a girdle embedded with a bright chrysoprase stone into battle. He supposedly left the girdle on shore when he went to bathe in the Euphrates River after a battle. A snake saw the girdle and bit off the stone dropping it into the river. Alexander never won another battle after losing the stone!
With its beautiful green color, chrysoprase is a stone of the heart. Its relaxing and serene vibes help to cool off emotions. It’s a powerful love attractor and can help us to release anything that is not love. It is known for developing tolerance and compassion and overall happiness. As a heart healing stone, it can help one work through emotional imbalances. Physically it supports healing and regeneration and can be helpful in recovering from degenerative diseases.
Chrysoprase is a great stone to wear or carry as we enter Springtime and our new yoga practice.