Jasper has been around for millions of years and has held special significance in all ancient cultures that came across it. Amulets of jasper were sent with Egyptian mummies to the afterlife. The first church of Christ was built on a foundation of jasper stones. Native Americans used jasper to bring on the rains.
Jasper gemstones come in a diverse number of colors and patterns and bear the names of the animals they resemble or the places they were discovered from. Red, brown, green, and blue jaspers are but a few of the famous gemstones that carry healing energies to ground and protect those who wear them.
With so many unique features the jasper is an affordable gemstone that makes a gorgeous addition to any ornamental or jewel collection.
| Jasper Colors | Red, yellow, brown, green, and more |
| Birthstone Month | March |
| Hardness Scale | 6.5 – 7 on Mohs Scale |
| Mineral Class | Chalcedony |
| Symbolism | Grounding |
What is jasper?
Jasper derived its name from the old French word “jaspre” and Latin “iaspidem” meaning spotted or speckled stone. This variety of chalcedony stone is opaque, solid, or, patterned in a wide variety of earthy colors.
Jasper is known as the supreme nurturer and is said to comfort the wearer with its calm energy and grounding nature.
With a rating of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, jasper is suitable for use in jewelry and ornamentation. The healing nature of the jasper gemstone makes it popular among spiritual and alternative healers.
What does jasper look like?
Jasper is a smooth, non-transparent gemstone with speckles caused by inclusions of minerals, ash, or sediment within the crystal structure of the gem. Some of the main features of jasper are described below:
Color
The most common and popular color of jasper is red. Other common colors include brown, orange, black, gray, and yellow. Blue and green jaspers are not as common as the other varieties and are sought after for their unique beauty.
Pattern
Most jaspers are multicolored with unique patterns. These gemstones come in a diverse range of markings, spots, and patterns.
Common patterns include spots, stripes, rings, swirls, geometric patterns, and feathery patterns.
Shape
Rough jasper is usually cut into cabochons whereby it is polished and shaped to enhance the brilliance of the stone. The large size of the jasper gemstone allows for an assortment of shapes. Hearts, ovals, pears, and trillions are just a few of the shapes that can be achieved from these gems.
The value of jasper
Jaspers are common gemstones that range in value from the reasonably priced red cabochon variety to the more expensive banded types. Factors that influence the price are color saturation, unique pattern, and design type. The deeper colored gemstones command a higher price.
A few rare varieties like the Madagascar jasper and Imperial jasper are quite difficult to source hence the higher prices.
History and mythology of the jasper
Jasper gemstones have been referenced throughout history relating to many religious, magical, and healing elements. Ancient Egyptians wore jasper in the hope of increasing their fertility. Native Americans used jasper to connect them spiritually to their ancestors.
In the bible, jasper was said to be part of the sacred stones that formed Jerusalem. In the Medieval time, everything from cups, knives, arrowheads, and tools were carved out of jasper.
Jasper’s meaning and symbolism
The nurturing jasper is often used in alternative healing to bring about a state of calm and absorb negative energies. Feelings of relaxation, tranquility, and security can be achieved by those who carry jasper close to them.
Jasper is also known to offer protection against evil spirits and attract good luck. Traditional healers use jasper to treat a variety of physical and emotional issues.
Where does jasper come from
Jasper can be found in all parts of the world. Some common locations are India, Australia, Egypt, Russia, and most of North and South America.
Jasper as a birthstone
Jasper is the traditional birthstone for those born in March. The zodiac sign Virgo also makes use of jasper as one of its birthstones.
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Find your birthstone by month
The jasper gemstone family
Jasper is a form of chalcedony, which is a form of cryptocrystalline quartz. Relatives of quartzes are amethyst and citrine. The jasper gemstone consists of a number of tiny quartz crystals colored by mineral impurities, all joined together in layers.
The many different varieties of jasper get their names from the color and patterns on the stone or even the place where they are found. Let’s take a look at a few of the popular types of jasper.
Red jasper
This rusty red-colored jasper can be found in all parts of the world and is the most common jasper variety. The iron oxide inclusions give these gems their red shade. Red jasper is said to be a grounding stone that has a strong connection to the earth.
Green jasper
Green jasper gemstones get their color from the presence of chlorite in the quartz. Although not as common as red jasper, this gemstone is still pretty affordable. Many people use green jasper to balance their emotions and to calm those experiencing high levels of anxiety.
Yellow jasper
This yellow stone ranges from bright yellow to mustard. Yellow jasper is used to aid stomach disorders relating to digestion and bloating. Crystal healers use yellow jasper to represent the solar plexus chakra as it restores vitality.
Madagascar jasper
Also known as ocean jasper, this type of jasper is mined at low tide along the shores of northwest Madagascar. These gems have orb-like patterns and come in shades of blue, green, yellow, gray, and pink. This is a rare variety of jasper and therefore priced higher than other types of jasper.
Imperial jasper
Embedded in steep canyons in the Guadalajara region of Mexico you will find the Imperial jasper gemstone. This variety of jasper comes in soft and subtle hues of pastel green, purple, pink, and brown. Imperial jasper is said to offer protection to the wearer and bring about fearlessness.
Biggs jasper
Mined in Biggs, Oregon this type of jasper is rare and can often fetch premium prices. The Biggs jasper is also known as a type of picture jasper with its distinctive shell-like patterns that look like a picture. This gemstone comes in shades of brown with touches of lavender and rose.
Mookaite jasper
Mookaite jasper is named after the Mooka Creek area in Western Australia where it is mined. This type of jasper comes in yellow, red, and brown shades with streaks and bands forming patterns on the gem. Mookaite jasper was considered to be highly restorative and balancing for the immune system.
Zebra jasper
This type of jasper contains black and white stripes that look like the patterns of a zebra. It is a stone that is used to increase creativity and imaginative thinking. Other colors of the zebra jasper include brick red and avocado green with bands and stripes across it.
Jasper uses
Jasper is a semi-precious stone that is commonly used in jewelry, ornaments, and crystal healing. The jasper gemstones are usually cut into beads and pendants for bracelets and necklaces. Carved jasper can be made into vases, gem trees, and other unique ornaments.
Frequently asked questions about jasper gemstones
Jasper gemstone is good for restoring calm and providing comfort to those who carry or wear it. The gem is also used to ward off negativity and ground your energies.
The spiritual meaning of jasper is that of a supreme nurturer. Jasper balances the yin and yang energy and supports tranquility.
Jasper comes in most colors and an infinite number of patterns. The diverse varieties of jasper make it special for its owner as you can find a stone with a unique color and pattern to suit you.
Jasper is not as rare as other gemstones and therefore more affordable. Some rare varieties of jasper like the Madagascar jasper are more expensive due to their rarity.
