Gem Profile- What is Jasper
What is 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
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
People often hand me a rock and ask, "Is this jasper or agate?"
I smile and say, "It depends on who you ask!"
Without a high-powered microscope, their structures look extremely similar.
This series on jasper will help you spot naked-eye differences.
First, we'll cover jasper basics.
Later articles explore varieties and wonders.
Created by Albina Manning, this lovely necklace uses jasper or agate.
Stay tuned to find out!
I smile and say, "It depends on who you ask!"
Without a high-powered microscope, their structures look extremely similar.
This series on jasper will help you spot naked-eye differences.
First, we'll cover jasper basics.
Later articles explore varieties and wonders.
Created by Albina Manning, this lovely necklace uses jasper or agate.
Stay tuned to find out!
Jasper Facts
Jasper is mainly cryptocrystalline silica with impurities like iron oxides and clays.
Cryptocrystalline means minuscule crystals packed so tightly they seem hidden.
Silica forms earth's building blocks, like quartz.
Iron oxides include manganese, hematite, clay, and organics.
They create jasper's earth tones: red, yellow, brown, and black.
Colorful jasper cuts into cabochons of any shape or size.
Jasper is mainly cryptocrystalline silica with impurities like iron oxides and clays.
Cryptocrystalline means minuscule crystals packed so tightly they seem hidden.
Silica forms earth's building blocks, like quartz.
Iron oxides include manganese, hematite, clay, and organics.
They create jasper's earth tones: red, yellow, brown, and black.
Colorful jasper cuts into cabochons of any shape or size.
Jasper has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7.
Almost all forms polish easily.
It lacks specific cleavage and shows a glassy chip.
Most jasper is opaque.
Some appears translucent with transparent inclusions.
Inclusions create marbled, striped, speckled, flamed, spotted, plumed, feathered, dendritic, or multicolored patterns.
Picture jaspers trap landscapes or scenes inside.
Jasper is chalcedony, classified as chert when dull.
(We'll explore chalcedony later.)
WS Faculty member Sherrie Lingerfelt used ordinary jasper.
She created a simple, elegant pendant with a basic frame wrap in Argentium silver and gold-filled wire.
Almost all forms polish easily.
It lacks specific cleavage and shows a glassy chip.
Most jasper is opaque.
Some appears translucent with transparent inclusions.
Inclusions create marbled, striped, speckled, flamed, spotted, plumed, feathered, dendritic, or multicolored patterns.
Picture jaspers trap landscapes or scenes inside.
Jasper is chalcedony, classified as chert when dull.
(We'll explore chalcedony later.)
WS Faculty member Sherrie Lingerfelt used ordinary jasper.
She created a simple, elegant pendant with a basic frame wrap in Argentium silver and gold-filled wire.
Jasper Names, History, and Uses
Jasper has many names.
Some come from first discovery sites, colors, patterns, or inclusions.
Jasper means "spotted stone."
It derives from the Persian "Kaspar," meaning "treasure bringer."
In Christian tradition, Caspar gave frankincense to baby Jesus.
As we explore jasper, you'll see why names vary.
Modified Celtic Bracelet Cuff by Millie Fee.
A jasper cabochon wrapped with copper wire.
Jasper has many names.
Some come from first discovery sites, colors, patterns, or inclusions.
Jasper means "spotted stone."
It derives from the Persian "Kaspar," meaning "treasure bringer."
In Christian tradition, Caspar gave frankincense to baby Jesus.
As we explore jasper, you'll see why names vary.
Modified Celtic Bracelet Cuff by Millie Fee.
A jasper cabochon wrapped with copper wire.
Jasper has served humans for centuries.
People used it for gems and tools like spearheads, arrowheads, hide scrapers, and knapping.
In jewelry, it forms beads, cabochons, and carvings.
Jasper also has ornamental uses.
Slabs and blocks build structures worldwide.
It carves into urns, fountains, cylinders, vases, and statues.
The Winter Palace in Russia's Hermitage Museum uses much jasper.
(We'll reference this gem collection often.)
Weighing 19.2 tons, the "Tsarina of Vases" shows fine Revnev Jasper.
From Russia's Ural Mountains.
(Also called the Kolyvan Vase.)
People used it for gems and tools like spearheads, arrowheads, hide scrapers, and knapping.
In jewelry, it forms beads, cabochons, and carvings.
Jasper also has ornamental uses.
Slabs and blocks build structures worldwide.
It carves into urns, fountains, cylinders, vases, and statues.
The Winter Palace in Russia's Hermitage Museum uses much jasper.
(We'll reference this gem collection often.)
Weighing 19.2 tons, the "Tsarina of Vases" shows fine Revnev Jasper.
From Russia's Ural Mountains.
(Also called the Kolyvan Vase.)
Huge pieces of jasper were mined, cut and polished to make these gorgeous columns in the Winter Palace.
These columns are made of brecciated jasper, and support an alcove at the Hermitage Museum.
Jasper Isn't Always Jasper...
Jasper is abundant worldwide, so counterfeits are rare.
Still, watch for imposters.
"Iris Jasper" is glass.
"Porcelain jasper" is baked red clay.
Natural jasper comes in rainbow colors but often gets dyed neon.
Jasperware is stoneware by Josiah Wedgwood.
It uses clay to mimic carved jasper, with no real jasper.
Pink Sea Sediment Jasper Pendant by Tina Bowersox.
Wrapped in sterling silver wire.
Jasper is abundant worldwide, so counterfeits are rare.
Still, watch for imposters.
"Iris Jasper" is glass.
"Porcelain jasper" is baked red clay.
Natural jasper comes in rainbow colors but often gets dyed neon.
Jasperware is stoneware by Josiah Wedgwood.
It uses clay to mimic carved jasper, with no real jasper.
Pink Sea Sediment Jasper Pendant by Tina Bowersox.
Wrapped in sterling silver wire.
Jasper and Culture
Metaphysical healers use jasper as a protection stone.
It is the "supreme nurturer."
They say it treats internal organ tissue deterioration, but not malfunction.
Ancient people placed jasper over heart and navel chakras.
This protected astral travel.
We'll learn more about jasper types in metaphysics as we explore.
Exotica Jasper Pendant by Carol Roskey
Metaphysical healers use jasper as a protection stone.
It is the "supreme nurturer."
They say it treats internal organ tissue deterioration, but not malfunction.
Ancient people placed jasper over heart and navel chakras.
This protected astral travel.
We'll learn more about jasper types in metaphysics as we explore.
Exotica Jasper Pendant by Carol Roskey
Historians theorize multiple jasper types were in the Breastplate of the High Priest (Exodus).
Only one type is agreed upon.
Next week's jasper series covers it: Bloodstone!
Only one type is agreed upon.
Next week's jasper series covers it: Bloodstone!
Resources
Print Resources:
The Audubon Society Field Guide to North America Rocks and Minerals by Charles W. Chesterman and Kurt E. Lowe, ISBN 0-394-50269-8
Love Is in The Earth by Melody, ISBN 0-9628190-3-4
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Internet Resources:
www.googleartproject.com
www.wikipedia.org
www.USGS.gov
Print Resources:
The Audubon Society Field Guide to North America Rocks and Minerals by Charles W. Chesterman and Kurt E. Lowe, ISBN 0-394-50269-8
Love Is in The Earth by Melody, ISBN 0-9628190-3-4
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Internet Resources:
www.googleartproject.com
www.wikipedia.org
www.USGS.gov
Materials
Apple Jasper 10mm Round 8 inch Strand
A1-914
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Black Silver Leaf Jasper 12mm Coin 8 inch Strand
A1-927
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Dragon Blood Jasper 10x14mm Oval Beads - 8 Inch Strand
A1-137
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- Price: $8.47
- Gold Club Price: $6.35
Imperial Jasper 12mm Square Beads - 8 Inch Strand
A1-525
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
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- Gold Club Price: $8.23
Iron Zebra Jasper 10x14mm Oval Beads - 8 Inch Strand
A1-212
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
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- Gold Club Price: $5.96
Mexican Red Snowflake Jasper 30mm Square Beads - 8 Inch Strand
A1-561
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
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Beads with may Jasper Options
Cabochons
Tools
WireJewelry - Ultimate Wire-Pliers Jewelry Pliers with Case, Set of 5
G15-20
- G15-20
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
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- Category: General Education
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Dale Armstrong
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