Gem explorer discovers new variety of quartz

The Gemological Institute of America or GIA has confirmed recently the discovery of a new variety of chalcedony. Unearthed in an undisclosed location in Africa by Greek explorer Yianni Melas, the translucent gem's bluish-green color is said to resemble the Aegean Sea viewed from afar.

Melas named the gemstone "aquaprase", combining the words aqua meaning the blue sea and the Greek word prasinos, which means green.

According to the GIA, aquaprase gets its unique color from the traces of chromium and nickel present in the gem. Previously identified varieties of chalcedony have yellowish-green and greenish-blue hues.

Melas first encountered the gemstone about two years ago in his friend's hut in Africa. The stone was in poor condition but he saw something special.

He found a few more samples and showed it to his associates. Some thought it was chrysocolla while others guessed it was blue-green opal. Many believed it was chrysoprase. Not convinced, he submitted samples to the GIA and, after three months, got a confirmation that the stone was, indeed, a new variety of quartz.

Currently, the gemstone is priced at 85 cent per carat for the lowest grades and can top $20 per carat for the highest-grade versions.

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