Gem Profile- Beautifully Colored Jasper
This article is one of a five-part series on Jasper. Here is a complete list of our Jasper articles: What is Jasper?, Bloodstone, Picture Jasper, Patterned Jasper, Beautifully Colored Jasper
Reader-Optimized Version
While working on this final jasper article, I realize that without writing a complete book, it's impossible to cover all the varieties not yet mentioned.
I will finalize this mini-series by highlighting some of the better-known, more colorful, and most interesting jaspers used in the wire jewelry world.
Many beautiful lapidary materials are found in Australia, but it is the only location for the jasper known as Mookaite or Mookaite.
According to outback prospector Glenn Archer of Western Australia, "The name 'mookaite' is derived from the locality where the rock is dug, namely Mooka Creek. The Aboriginal word 'mooka' means 'running waters,' likely referencing the many fresh water springs that feed Mooka Creek."
Other sources claim this vibrant material was named for a sheep station near an abundant source of the stone, found in the Kennedy Ranges. It is also called moukaite.
While working on this final jasper article, I realize that without writing a complete book, it's impossible to cover all the varieties not yet mentioned.
I will finalize this mini-series by highlighting some of the better-known, more colorful, and most interesting jaspers used in the wire jewelry world.
Many beautiful lapidary materials are found in Australia, but it is the only location for the jasper known as Mookaite or Mookaite.
According to outback prospector Glenn Archer of Western Australia, "The name 'mookaite' is derived from the locality where the rock is dug, namely Mooka Creek. The Aboriginal word 'mooka' means 'running waters,' likely referencing the many fresh water springs that feed Mooka Creek."
Other sources claim this vibrant material was named for a sheep station near an abundant source of the stone, found in the Kennedy Ranges. It is also called moukaite.
Exploring the wonders of jasper, we discover that many varieties contain other minerals such as feldspar, forming rhyolite. Mookaite, however, is actually a sedimentary chert made of silica or quartz and formed from microfossils.
The beautiful shades of ochre, reds, and browns have no organized pattern and sometimes contain small branch-like dendrite inclusions. Mookaite tends to be brittle, so self-healed fractures are common, and it is very difficult to cut.
Glenn Archer has a detailed page on his website about the formation and mining of mookaite.
At present, there is an adequate supply of mookaite, so there is no need to create a synthetic version.
However, a rhyolite called "Wonderstone" is often mistakenly labeled as mookaite.
The best way to tell them apart is by feel and appearance. If it feels very light and almost plastic, it is probably rhyolite. If it has a glassy appearance, it is mookaite.
The colors also differ, with mookaite showing richer tones and Wonderstone rhyolite appearing more subtle.
The beautiful shades of ochre, reds, and browns have no organized pattern and sometimes contain small branch-like dendrite inclusions. Mookaite tends to be brittle, so self-healed fractures are common, and it is very difficult to cut.
Glenn Archer has a detailed page on his website about the formation and mining of mookaite.
At present, there is an adequate supply of mookaite, so there is no need to create a synthetic version.
However, a rhyolite called "Wonderstone" is often mistakenly labeled as mookaite.
The best way to tell them apart is by feel and appearance. If it feels very light and almost plastic, it is probably rhyolite. If it has a glassy appearance, it is mookaite.
The colors also differ, with mookaite showing richer tones and Wonderstone rhyolite appearing more subtle.
At present, there is an adequate supply of mookaite, so there is no need to create a synthetic version.
However, a form of rhyolite called "Wonderstone" is often mistakenly labeled as mookaite.
The best way to tell them apart is by holding the Wonderstone in your hand. If it feels very light and almost plastic, it is probably rhyolite. If it has a glassy appearance, it is mookaite.
The colors differ as well, with mookaite showing richer tones and Wonderstone rhyolite appearing more subtle.
Pendants wire wrapped by Beverly Brown, likely Wonderstone, left, and Mookaite, right.
However, a form of rhyolite called "Wonderstone" is often mistakenly labeled as mookaite.
The best way to tell them apart is by holding the Wonderstone in your hand. If it feels very light and almost plastic, it is probably rhyolite. If it has a glassy appearance, it is mookaite.
The colors differ as well, with mookaite showing richer tones and Wonderstone rhyolite appearing more subtle.
Pendants wire wrapped by Beverly Brown, likely Wonderstone, left, and Mookaite, right.
Mookaite is not the only jasper whose colors and patterns come from fossils.
When the earth was very young, some of the first life forms were different types of algae. Some scientists speculate that fossilized mounds may actually be formed of mud rather than ancient bacterial life.
During geological changes, many of these algae colonies or mud mounds petrified, forming stromatolites. When combined with silica, they created what is known as Algal Jasper.
Beautiful specimens of Algal Jasper have been found in northern Minnesota, Wyoming, and Oklahoma, as well as in Australia, Canada, and Africa.
A stromatolite from the Great Lakes area of North America may not look impressive on the outside.
When a slab is removed and polished, it reveals potential to make beautiful cabochons. This polished area is called a "window."
Private collection, Dale Armstrong.
When the earth was very young, some of the first life forms were different types of algae. Some scientists speculate that fossilized mounds may actually be formed of mud rather than ancient bacterial life.
During geological changes, many of these algae colonies or mud mounds petrified, forming stromatolites. When combined with silica, they created what is known as Algal Jasper.
Beautiful specimens of Algal Jasper have been found in northern Minnesota, Wyoming, and Oklahoma, as well as in Australia, Canada, and Africa.
A stromatolite from the Great Lakes area of North America may not look impressive on the outside.
When a slab is removed and polished, it reveals potential to make beautiful cabochons. This polished area is called a "window."
Private collection, Dale Armstrong.
I wonder if this chunk I purchased as "tubular" jasper is actually an algal jasper? Private collection, Dale Armstrong.
Perhaps the most well-known variety among handcraft jewelers is "Crocodile" or "Kambaba" jasper.
We have Madagascar, that "pile of gemstones in the ocean," to thank for this amazing lapidary material.
Kambaba jasper is a sedimentary form of jasper made of fossilized algae or stromatolites. It is very attractive in shades of green with deep green orbs.
It is relatively hard, making it easy to find cabochons, beads, and carved decorative items for the home and garden.
Although sometimes marketed as a "new material," Kambaba or Crocodile jasper is geologically known as Green Stromatolite Jasper, a fossilized algae that has existed for millions of years.
Kambaba or Crocodile jasper makes lovely beads!
We have Madagascar, that "pile of gemstones in the ocean," to thank for this amazing lapidary material.
Kambaba jasper is a sedimentary form of jasper made of fossilized algae or stromatolites. It is very attractive in shades of green with deep green orbs.
It is relatively hard, making it easy to find cabochons, beads, and carved decorative items for the home and garden.
Although sometimes marketed as a "new material," Kambaba or Crocodile jasper is geologically known as Green Stromatolite Jasper, a fossilized algae that has existed for millions of years.
Kambaba or Crocodile jasper makes lovely beads!
Jasper that resembles a mosaic made of sharp, angular, and jagged stones is called Brecciated Jasper.
When the rock is formed of smaller, water-rounded pebbles in various colors of jasper, chalcedony, chert, and quartz, cemented together by impure chalcedony, it is known as Jasper Conglomerate, also called Puddingstone.
If the material surrounding the smaller particles is hard enough, it takes a great polish and becomes very attractive for jewelry designs.
Examples of cut and rough, conglomerate. Private collection, Dale Armstrong.
When the rock is formed of smaller, water-rounded pebbles in various colors of jasper, chalcedony, chert, and quartz, cemented together by impure chalcedony, it is known as Jasper Conglomerate, also called Puddingstone.
If the material surrounding the smaller particles is hard enough, it takes a great polish and becomes very attractive for jewelry designs.
Examples of cut and rough, conglomerate. Private collection, Dale Armstrong.
One of the prettiest jaspers found in North America is called Morrisonite, named for the ranch where it was first discovered in the 1940s.
Morrisonite is a brecciated jasper indigenous to the Owyhee Mountains, with colors that rival a rainbow. Combining the patterns and pictures we've explored throughout this mini-series, Morrisonite is known as the "King" of jaspers.
Rather than rewrite its fascinating history, I invite you to read The King of Jaspers by Philip Stevenson.
I personally own only a small specimen of Morrisonite (and I will not let my husband cut it!), so I encourage you to view Hans Gamma's beautiful photographs of Morrisonite Jasper online
Morrisonite is a brecciated jasper indigenous to the Owyhee Mountains, with colors that rival a rainbow. Combining the patterns and pictures we've explored throughout this mini-series, Morrisonite is known as the "King" of jaspers.
Rather than rewrite its fascinating history, I invite you to read The King of Jaspers by Philip Stevenson.
I personally own only a small specimen of Morrisonite (and I will not let my husband cut it!), so I encourage you to view Hans Gamma's beautiful photographs of Morrisonite Jasper online
The last type of jasper I want to share is my personal favorite: Imperial Jasper.
Found specifically in Mexico, north of Guadalajara, this porcelain jasper has terrific colors and takes a great polish. The veins that resemble abstract spider webs were formed when the original jasper cracked during geological formation, and the cracks filled with transparent chalcedony.
When the material contains bulls-eye or orb shapes, it is known as "Royal" Imperial, the most sought-after variety by collectors.
Imperial Jasper is usually found in rounded chunks or nodules. The outside is a softer chalky white, while the interior displays soft shades of green, pink, cream, beige, and muted reds, resembling a watercolor painting.
Good pieces of both Imperial and Royal Imperial are difficult to find and can be quite costly, but they remain a favorite among jewelry makers.
About 130 pounds of hand-picked Imperial Jasper rough with windows, waiting to be cabbed. Private collection, Dale Armstrong.
Imperial Jasper cabochons and slabs. Private collection, Dale Armstrong.
Found specifically in Mexico, north of Guadalajara, this porcelain jasper has terrific colors and takes a great polish. The veins that resemble abstract spider webs were formed when the original jasper cracked during geological formation, and the cracks filled with transparent chalcedony.
When the material contains bulls-eye or orb shapes, it is known as "Royal" Imperial, the most sought-after variety by collectors.
Imperial Jasper is usually found in rounded chunks or nodules. The outside is a softer chalky white, while the interior displays soft shades of green, pink, cream, beige, and muted reds, resembling a watercolor painting.
Good pieces of both Imperial and Royal Imperial are difficult to find and can be quite costly, but they remain a favorite among jewelry makers.
About 130 pounds of hand-picked Imperial Jasper rough with windows, waiting to be cabbed. Private collection, Dale Armstrong.
Imperial Jasper cabochons and slabs. Private collection, Dale Armstrong.
Imperial Jasper cabochon cut by Charlie Armstrong and wrapped into a bracelet design by Dale Cougar Armstrong.
The world of jaspers is huge! Although we have only touched on a few I hope you have enjoyed learning more about the jasper products you use in your wire jewelry designs.
Resources
Print Resources:
Peterson Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals by Frederick H. Pough, ISBN-0-395-91096-X
The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals by Charles W. Chesterman and Kurt E. Lowe, ISBN 0-394-50269-8
Internet Resources:
www.mindat.org
Click Here
www.wikipedia.org
Click Here
[www.worldofjaspers.com
Click Here
Print Resources:
Peterson Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals by Frederick H. Pough, ISBN-0-395-91096-X
The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals by Charles W. Chesterman and Kurt E. Lowe, ISBN 0-394-50269-8
Internet Resources:
www.mindat.org
Click Here
www.wikipedia.org
Click Here
[www.worldofjaspers.com
Click Here
Materials
Wire
Beads
Apple Jasper 10mm Round 8 inch Strand
A1-914
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
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- Price: $9.45
- Gold Club Price: $7.09
Black Silver Leaf Jasper 12mm Coin 8 inch Strand
A1-927
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $8.47
- Gold Club Price: $6.35
Dragon Blood Jasper 6mm Round Beads - 8 Inch Strand
A1-142
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $7.35
- Gold Club Price: $5.51
Green Brecciated Jasper 13x18 Rectangle Beads - 8 Inch Strand
A1-572
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $8.97
- Gold Club Price: $6.73
Imperial Jasper 18x25 Faceted Trapezoid Beads - 8 Inch Strand
A1-532
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $17.97
- Gold Club Price: $13.48
Iron Zebra Jasper 10x20mm Double Drilled Beads - 8 Inch Strand
A1-213
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $16.87
- Gold Club Price: $12.65
Mexican Red Snowflake Jasper 30mm Square Beads - 8 Inch Strand
A1-561
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $13.97
- Gold Club Price: $10.48
Noreena Jasper 12mm Coin Beads - 8 Inch Strand
A1-539
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $7.97
- Gold Club Price: $5.98
Picasso Jasper 10x20 Double Drilled Beads - 8 Inch Strand
A1-591
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $20.07
- Gold Club Price: $15.05
Picture Jasper 10mm Round Beads - 8 Inch Strand
A1-359
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $7.17
- Gold Club Price: $5.38
Porcelain Jasper 8mm Round Beads - 8 Inch Strand
A1-355
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $8.40
- Gold Club Price: $6.30
Red Creek Jasper 30x40mm Oval Beads - 8 Inch Strand
A1-390
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $18.07
- Gold Club Price: $13.55
Venus Jasper 12mm Square 8 inch Strand
A1-904
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $10.50
- Gold Club Price: $7.88
White Lace Red Jasper 8mm Round Beads - 8 Inch Strand
A1-596
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $6.67
- Gold Club Price: $5.00
Wildhorse Picture Jasper 30x40mm Oval Beads - 8 Inch Strand
A1-482
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $16.97
- Gold Club Price: $12.73
Iron Zebra Jasper 10x14mm Oval Cabochon - Pack of 2
E8-21B
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $4.67
- Gold Club Price: $3.50
Cabochons
Tools
WireJewelry - Ultimate Wire-Pliers Jewelry Pliers with Case, Set of 5
G15-20
- G15-20
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $170.72
- Gold Club Price: $128.04
Bench Tools
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- Category: General Education
- Technique(s): General Education
Dale Armstrong
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What Gauge of Wire Should I Use to Make Jewelry
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Rockhounding - A Beginner's Guide
What Shape of Wire Should I Use to Make Jewelry
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Gem Profile- What is Jasper
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Gem Profile- Quartz with Inclusions Part 2
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Gem Profile- Macrocrystalline Quartz
Gem Profile- Tiger Eye
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Wire Sculpture Expert Dale -Cougar- Armstrong Interview
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