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Natural Jasper Stones - Cabochon Gemstones

by Judy Ellis
Today we're going to look at Jasper-specifically, what kinds of jasper are out there, where they come from, and what's so special about picture jasper!
Jasper, a chalcedony family member, is incredibly versatile.

It's used for carvings, seals, cabochons, beads, and early fire-making.

This common, opaque semi-precious stone stands out with stunning colors and patterns.

Jasper appears worldwide: Russia, Uruguay, India, Egypt, Canada, Brazil, Australia, Madagascar, and the U.S.

It often shows banding, matrix inclusions, or spots.

Picture jasper has distinctive patterns or imagery.

Names vary by region, so one jasper might have different names elsewhere.

Picture jasper often mimics animal coats, like Dalmatian Jasperbles the black spots of a Dalmatian dog; Leopard Skin Jasper; and Zebra Jasper, which can display either black and white or brown and pink stripes.
Judy Ellis's Natural Jasper Stones - Cabochon Gemstones - , General Education, , Dalmatian Jasper
Picture jasper can also take the form of a "natural photograph," showing a landscape or skyscape.

See in this stone, how the inclusions and coloring appear to form a field with a river, or perhaps even clouds:

And that's all formed naturally!
Judy Ellis's Natural Jasper Stones - Cabochon Gemstones - , General Education, , Picture Jasper
Paint Brush Jasper looks like dribbled paint on the stone's surface.

Imagine ink spreading into drops and pools of color.

Most is light-toned, often gray with dark inclusions creating the effect.

This is one of my favorite cabochons. It reminds me of a river among trees.

What does it look like to you?

Picture jasper's beauty lies in personal visions. Customers see unique shapes or scenes.

Some find hidden symbols, making it deeply meaningful.
Judy Ellis's Natural Jasper Stones - Cabochon Gemstones - , General Education, , Paintbrush Jasper
Jasper stones are relatively easy to dye, and can imitate lapis lazuli stones fairly well.

However, many kinds of jasper possess naturally vivid and unique coloring, and are named for their coloring! Take a look at this poppy jasper cabochon:

Doesn't it just glow? The crimson and red hues play with light and have an unmistakable poppy-like feel.

And poppy jasper is said to bring joy into a person's life-what a lovely stone to wear as a pendant!
Judy Ellis's Natural Jasper Stones - Cabochon Gemstones - , General Education, , Poppy Jasper
WireJewelry stocks many kinds of jasper in beads and cabochons.

We're constantly adding new ones.

Check our gemstone cabochons for all jasper options.

Available in wide sizes and shapes for necklaces, rings, pendants, bangles, or hairpieces.

Jasper suits wire wrapping practice, as chalcedony rates 6-7 on Mohs hardness scale.

Each stone is unique and one-of-a-kind.

Give customers a cherished natural treasure.

Materials

Beads
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Cabochons
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Wire
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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
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  • Category: General Education
  • Technique(s): General Education

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