This study describes a new variety of chalcedony with a unique inhomogeneous bluish green hue, named aquaprase. It was discovered in Africa and is considered to be a valuable addition to the gem trade. A multi-methodological approach was used to examine its chemistry, mineralogy and microstructure, which were then compared to those of chrysoprase and agate, two of the most popular varieties of chalcedony. Optical microscopy revealed a complex microstructural heterogeneity in the different colour intensity areas/bands of aquaprase and agate, whereas chrysoprase exhibited a more homogeneous coexistence of micro- and cryptocrystalline quartz. High-resolution synchrotron XRD was essential for highlighting the complex assemblage of various types of α-quartz in aquaprase and agate (which differ in terms of crystal size and/or cell parameters). Micro-Raman spectroscopy revealed α-quartz and moganite in all three varieties of chalcedony and the presence of the nickel-bearing layered silicate mineral, willemseite, in chrysoprase, which is responsible for its green colouration. The chemical analysis displayed a homogeneous composition of agate, as well as high levels of nickel content in the chrysoprase variety. Aquaprase showed significant amounts (ppm by weight) of trace elements (Al, Mg, Na, K, Ca, Ti, U and Fe) characteristic of its formation environment, as well as high values of Cr, which are thought to be the cause of its bluish green colouration.

这项研究描述了一种新的玉髓品种，具有独特的不均匀蓝绿色色调，名为 aquaprase。它是在非洲发现的，被认为是宝石贸易的宝贵补充。采用多种方法研究其化学、矿物学和微观结构，然后与绿玉髓和玛瑙（两种最受欢迎​​的玉髓品种）进行比较。光学显微镜揭示了水玉石和玛瑙的不同颜色强度区域/带中复杂的微观结构异质性，而绿玉髓则表现出微晶质和隐晶质石英更均匀的共存。高分辨率同步加速器 XRD 对于突出 aquaprase 和玛瑙中各种类型 α-石英的复杂组合（晶体尺寸和/或晶胞参数不同）至关重要。显微拉曼光谱显示，所有三种玉髓中均含有 α-石英和绿锰柱石，而绿玉髓中则存在含镍层状硅酸盐矿物硅锰矿，绿玉髓呈绿色。化学分析显示玛瑙成分均匀，绿玉髓品种的镍含量很高。 Aquaprase 显示出大量（按重量计 ppm）的微量元素（Al、Mg、Na、K、Ca、Ti、U 和 Fe），这些元素是其形成环境所特有的，并且 Cr 含量也很高，这被认为是造成这种现象的原因其蓝绿色的颜色。