Jasper

About

Jasper is an opaque variety of chalcedony, a microcrystalline quartz, known for its colours and intricate patterns formed by iron oxide, clay, and organic inclusions. It comes in a wide range of shades, including red, yellow, green, and brown, with patterns like stripes, spots, and swirls. Major sources include Brazil, India, and Madagascar.

Birthstones & Anniversaries

Jasper is not a traditional birthstone but is associated with grounding, protection, and the zodiac signs Virgo and Aries, symbolising stability and endurance.

Crystal Healing Energy

The overarching theme of jasper is nurturing and grounding. Jasper is believed to provide comfort, protection, and a sense of stability. It is often used to support emotional healing, enhance focus, and balance physical and spiritual energies.

Facts

Variety of Patterns: Jasper is found in many patterns, including picture jasper, brecciated jasper, and mookaite jasper, each with its unique aesthetic.

Historical Use: Ancient civilisations used jasper for seals, amulets, and ceremonial purposes, associating it with protection and grounding.

Durable and Versatile: With a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, jasper is suitable for jewellery, carvings, and everyday use.

Geological Formation: Jasper forms from silica-rich sediments that solidify over time, with inclusions creating its characteristic patterns.

Global Availability: Major deposits are found in Brazil, India, Madagascar, and the United States.

Science

Mineral: Chalcedony (Quartz variety)
Crystal System: Trigonal
Chemistry: SiO₂ with inclusions
Colour: Red, yellow, green, brown, and multicoloured
Refractive Index: 1.530 to 1.540
Specific Gravity: 2.58 to 2.91

Treatments

Jasper is typically untreated, but some varieties may be dyed or stabilised to enhance colour or durability, especially for commercial use.

Synthetics

None due to abundance and complexity of composition.

Imitations

Jasper is abundant and not often imitated but often some rhyolite and calcites are misnamed.

similar materials

  • Agate: Shares a similar quartz base but is translucent or semi-translucent with distinct banding, unlike jasper’s opaque nature.

  • Banded Calcite: Features layered patterns like jasper but is softer and has a waxy or matte finish.

  • Rhyolite: A volcanic rock with swirling patterns and colours resembling jasper, but it is a different mineral composition.

Other Varieties of Jasper

  • Mookaite Jasper

    Australian variety with predominantly red and yellow colours.

  • Polychrome Jasper

    Multi-hued jasper with flowing patterns of orange, pink, grey, and beige.

  • Picture Jasper

    Scenic patterns formed by iron oxides.

  • Red Jasper

    Deep red jasper, often with subtle banding or streaks.

Not True Jaspers (Often Misnamed)

  • Dalmatian Jasper

    Composed of feldspar and quartz with black spots of tourmaline or arfvedsonite. Should be sold as ‘Dalmatian Stone’.

  • Kambaba Jasper

    A fossilised stromatolite, composed of ancient algae.

  • Ocean Jasper

    Technically a silicified rhyolite with orbicular patterns.

  • Rainforest Jasper

    A type of rhyolite with earthy patterns.

  • Bumblebee Jasper

    A calcite material with volcanic matter, sulphur, and arsenic, creating vibrant yellow, orange, and black bands. Should be sold as ‘Bumblebee Stone’.

further Reading & References

Papers & Journal Articles

  1. Gems & Gemology, Summer 2014, Vol. 50, No. 2, Bumble Bee “Jasper” from Indonesia

  2. The Journal of Gemmology, 2018/Volume 36/ No. 3 pp. 228-238, Bumble Bee Stone: A Bright Yellow-to-Orange and Black Patterned Gem from West Java, Indonesia

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Labradorite