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.
The Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature was edited by John McClintock and James Strong. It contains nearly 50,000 articles pertaining to Biblical and other religious literature, people, creeds, etc. It is a fantastic research tool for broad Christian study.
John McClintock was born October 27, 1814 in Philadelphia to Irish immigrants, John and Martha McClintock. He began as a clerk in his father's store, and then became a bookkeeper in the Methodist Book Concern in New York. Here he converted to Methodism and considered joining the ministry. McClintock entered the University of Pennsylvania in 1832 and graduated with high honors three years later. Subsequently, he was awarded a doctorate of divinity degree from the same institution in 1848.WikipediaRead More