The word Jasper stone means spotted or speckled stone, and when you see the huge variety of gemstones that appear under this name you can understand why. The swirling patterns, the flecks of color, green, yellow, and daubs of red, the woody, or organic looking patches all make this a truly unique gemstone.
These unique colors and patterns, plus its hardness and polish, have made it a favorite gemstone for millennia, used by the Greeks and Ancient Egyptians. It is mentioned several times in the bible and was fashioned into seals, tools, and ornaments from the
Harappan Empire in the Indus River Valley to the Minoan Kingdom of the Greek Island of Crete.
In ancient times, it was considered very rare and precious but was probably confused with the other gemstones such as carnelian, jade, and nephrite. Nowadays, with scientific help, we can identify it a bit more easily, and with discoveries of Jasper all across the globe, it is quite affordable yet no less beautiful.
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Jasper stone Colors
Jasper gemstones can come in almost any color but do tend to be earthy tones; browns, reds, yellows, greens, and oranges are the most common, although blues and purples are not unheard of. The colors are not restricted to just one; Jasper tends to have two, three, or even more colors on the same gemstone.
Jasper stone is a type of Chalcedony but contains a high performance of other material, of around 20%, and it is this that gives this gemstone its color variations. The most common impurity is iron, which gives Jasper its red, yellow, and brown hues. If the iron has oxidized during the formation, the Jasper gemstone can look green, and manganese can cause the blue colors. Other oxides, metals, and dioxides, and even some of the organic material, can get mixed up with the Jasper quartz as it grows and causes all sorts of patterns and colors.
Color is essential in the world of gemstones and bright-colored or unusual colored Jasper stone will be valued more than any dull-colored specimen, but Jasper is a reasonably priced gemstone, so even great coloring does not make it terribly expensive.
Jasper stone Clarity and Cut
Gemstones usually fall into one of the three categories of clarity with variations within that category. Opaque gemstones do not allow any light to pass through even if you hold it up to a light source. Translucent gemstones allow even some light to shine through, but you cannot clearly see through the gemstone. Transparent Gemstones allow light to pass through uninhibited so that you can look through them and see objects or read words on the other side.
Jasper stone differs from some of its cousins in the Chalcedon family in that it is opaque; you cannot see through a Jasper gemstone. Because of this, Jasper is nearly always cut into rounded shapes or cabochons and then polished. The interesting colors and swirls found in some Jasper gemstones mean that they can be carved into an interesting free form or odd shapes perfect for unique jewelry.
Jasper stone is technically an opaque gemstone, but because it has so many mineral impurities, it can be difficult to define the boundary between the opaque and translucent. The Jasper stone may have patches that appear more translucent than opaque, or the edges seem to be allowing light to pass through.
Where is Jasper stone found?
Jasper, in one form or another, can be found almost anywhere across the globe. The hundreds of named varieties are often sourced from just one or two locations, and if the Jasper has a specific name, Biggs Jasper or Cave Creek Jasper, then it really should only come from that location.
In general, Jasper stone’s most essential sources are India, Russia, Brazil, Venezuela, and Uruguay. The tropical island off Southern Africa, Madagascar, is the source of the most Ocean Jasper stone, and Indonesia offers fantastic multicolored Jasper tools while the USA is one of the better producers of interesting localized Jasper tool varieties.
What Jewelry is Jasper Stone suitable for?
Jasper stone is rated about seven on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning they are durable enough to be used in almost any type of jewelry you choose. They are an ancient and respected stone so that you would be following a long line of tradition to use this gemstone is some form of jewelry.
Usually, Jasper is shaped into ovals or dome-shaped cabochons but can also be carved into fancy shapes or left free form to help create fascinating one-off jewelry pieces. They are quite affordable, so that you can let your imagination run wild with these gorgeous, uniquely colored and patterned gemstones.
FAQ
What color is Jasper in the Bible?
Most biblical scholars agree that the colors of the stone in the breastplate were green. Many also assign green to Jasper stone in the foundation of the New Kingdom. Moreover, there is a school of thought that both Jaspers many actually be red.
What does the jasper stone symbolize?
A “Supreme Nurturer”. Jesper is strongly connected to Earth’s energy that’s why it brings stability and endurance. It protects from the negative energy and builds resolution to transform ideas into action.
What is Jasper stone used for?
Jasper breaks with a smooth surface and is used for ornamentation or as a gemstone. It can be highly polished and is used for items such as seals, snuff boxes, and vases. The specific gravity of Jasper is typically 3.5 to 3.9.
How much is a jasper stone worth?
Between $2 to $ 5 per carat. Few rare Jesper stones such as Madagascar and Imperial Jaspers are premium. Commercial quality Jaspers are easy to procure and costs between USD 2 to 5 Per carat.
Is Jasper a precious stone?
No. Jasper is common and affordable, the commercial quality Jasper can be procured at $2-5 Par Carat. Thous among oldest stone with so much variety and finds mention in few Bibilical literature. Some Variety of Jasper is rate and precious.
How can you tell if Red Jasper is real?
1. You will not be able to scratch it by Knife. On Mohs Hardness scale, Red Jasper is seven.
2. If you look at stone under a magnifying glass or microscope your will find black streaks or bands of color variations.
3. You might also find minerals within the stone.
Can Jasper go underwater?
Yes. Jasper is Safe to Put in water.
What is jasper stone used for?
For ornamentation or as a gemstone. You can also use it for items such as vases, seals, and snuff boxes after polishing.
What is the hardness of Jasper?
6.5 – 7
Where is Ocean Jasper found?
Madagascar. The Jasper ore mines are at the northwest coast of Madagascar near the town of Ambolobozo.
