Chrysoprase belongs to the chalcedony family, the same microcrystalline quartz as agate, and owes its green to traces of nickel. Hand-assembled from cut pieces that keep their natural outlines and mottling, the slab forms a dense pebble field with no single direction of vein. Some fragments are clear green, others are clouded with brown and gold.

The mix of greens and browns sits comfortably with walnut, bronze and warm whites, and works on vanity tops, tabletops, fireplace surrounds and feature walls. The usual thickness is 2 cm; anything from 0.6 to 4 cm can be ordered, and a single piece can measure up to 320 x 190 cm. Day-to-day care is simple: a soft cloth, a pH-neutral cleaner, and coasters or trivets under anything hot or acidic.

Where it works

• Vanity tops
• Fireplace surrounds
• Dining tabletops
• Feature walls