Jasper is a very special gemstone that’s known for the history and fame attached to it. This gemstone is a blend of our past and present. Reflecting a time when we could barely be described as human beings – it simultaneously syncs with our present taste for individuality and originality.  An opaque chalcedony that comes in a wide variety of colors , sizes, and interesting patterns, jasper is a favorite amongst craftsmen and women looking to create one-off jewelry designs.

Pliant, these stones can be carved to standard shapes like ovals or dome-shaped cabochons and fancy shapes, or they can be left free form to help create fascinating jewelry pieces. So, go the extra mile and let your imagination run wild with these gorgeous, uniquely colored and patterned gemstones. The broad array of individual characteristics for each and every variety of jasper is such that there is almost no chance of making two pieces that look the same.

Jasper’s design, color, and uniqueness give it an edge over the other gemstones. It is believed to possess the knowledge, forged over millions of years due to the heat and pressure, ready to flow naturally from the gemstone into your body.  Jasper is known as the “Stone of Endurance,” a gentle, but vital, stimulator in bringing determination, stamina, and focus.

It has several other uses, metaphysical and healing properties . Our buying guide will tell you everything you need to know about jasper and how to identify a real one.

What is jasper?

A form of quartz that has continually changed due to natural reheating within the earth, jasper is known as a nurturing stone, providing support during times of stress and illness. The crystallization process due to repetitive natural heating creates a wide range of colors, patterns, and inclusions in the jasper family.   The name jasper is derived from the Latin word ‘iaspidem’, or the Old French ‘jaspre,’ which means spotted or speckled stone. This phenomenon occurs due to the mineral, ash, or sediment material. It falls in the hardness range of 6.5 - 7.5, which makes it a suitable jewelry stone. Jasper is a type of chalcedony but contains up to 20% of other materials, and it is this factor that gives the gemstone its several color variations. Jasper can provide the courage to assertively tackle problems with practical, down-to-earth solutions. It is often referred to as the “Supreme Nurturer” because of its unique natural artistry.

Where is jasper found?

Formation of jasper occurs when silica-rich waters flow through cracks of rocks, carrying along several minerals in the process . In one or another form, jasper can be found almost anywhere in the world. In general, jasper's most important sources are India,  Egypt , Uruguay,  Kazakhstan , Russia, Indonesia, Australia, Brazil, Madagascar, and Venezuela. The USA is also one of the better producers of specific jasper varieties.

Types of jasper:

Available in hundreds of varieties, each possessing its own uniqueness makes jasper a versatile gemstone. It comes in a range of hues and natural patterns, giving you endless options to choose from when shopping. It would take too long to give an exhaustive list here, but here’s a quick rundown of some of the main jasper types:

• Agate Jasper – This refers to stones that combine both agate and jasper. It can also refer to jasper gemstones that display multicolor or banded patterns, similar to agate.
• Biggs Jasper – Extracted in the Biggs Junction area in Oregon, this type of jasper is found in shades of brown with beautiful patterns.
• Bruneau Jasper – The name indicates its source, the Bruneau Canyon, in Owyhee County, Idaho. This type of jasper comes in shades of brown, cream, and even red or green banding and design patterns.
• Green Jasper – A completely opaque type of jasper found in varying shades of green, this type of jasper is a highly popular variety and was extensively used in the past.
• Ocean Jasper – Major source of this variety is the Madagascar coasts. It showcases patterns with concentric circles.
• Zebra Jasper – Refers to the coloring and the pattern, with alternating dark brown and light brown to white jasper strips.
• Morrisonite Jasper – This is a multicolored jasper variety found only in the Owyhee River gorge in Oregon.
• Picture Jasper – A type of jasper with beautiful patterns resembling pictures.
• Leopard Jasper – Appearing similar to the spots of a leopard, this variant of jasper is a form of orbicular jasper with tan color rings.

The Four C’s of Jasper:

• Color: Color is a very important criterion in the world of gemstones. Jasper gemstone is available in different colors that give the consumer a wide range of choices. It is naturally available in most of the main colors, such as yellow, green, red, brown, and rarely even blue. The added beauty is that even though jasper gemstone can be solid in color, it often includes various streaks, spots, and other inclusions, giving it its unique look. Red, green, and blue jasper gemstones are the most sought-after variants. White, black, gray, and orange jasper gemstones are also widely available today. Oxides, dioxides, metals, and even organic material can get mixed up with jasper quartz as it grows and causes all sorts of colors and patterns. However, the color you should choose entirely depends on your personal preferences, so go with whatever color works best for you.
• Clarity: With a refractive index in the range of 1.54 – 1.55, jasper has double refraction of 0.009. It is opaque in its transparency; that is, you cannot see through a jasper gemstone. In other words, with up to 20% inclusions, clarity, brilliance, or light performance are something you shouldn’t be expecting from the jasper stone. It’s strongest suit is the rich color variants with complex streaks and spot patterns that make them so beautiful. There are clear jasper stones, ones with almost no inclusions that are rarely available. These are sought after by certain jewelers as the stone can look almost clear, but do not carry the typical look of jasper.
• Cut: Typically cut in beads or cabochons, jasper gemstones are used in necklaces, bracelets, rings, and pendants. Smooth cuts bring out unique patterns and best enhance body color. Sometimes faceted to add depth and texture to the stone, you’ll also find carvings made of jasper, as the stone lends itself well to being shaped easily. With a hardness of 6.5 - 7.5 Mohs, it is relatively hard and can be easily made into a variety of objects, carvings, and jewelry. The interesting colors and swirls found in some jasper stones mean that they can be carved into an interesting free form or odd shapes perfect for unique jewelry. 
• Carat: Jasper stones are available in all standard carat sizes since they aren’t a rare type of gemstone. However, it’s important to note that jasper’s (especially colored ones) carat size can also be a bit deceptive. They can have varied size-to-weight ratios – some stones can be large but light while others are smaller but can be heavier. In other words, don’t rely on the carat weight to judge jasper’s carat and value. Focus on its dimensional size instead.

Treatments of Jasper:

Like other gemstones, jasper isn’t purposefully enhanced in any way other than the usual cutting and polishing. The main type of enhancement you can expect is for the stone to be dyed. This can be done either to achieve a specific artistic effect, enhancing the body tone or to imitate a different type of gemstone. There are some cases of jasper being dyed to boost its color or to emphasize a particular pattern, but since it is such an inexpensive gemstone, it is not usually worth the time and effort.

How to take care of jasper?

Even though jasper falls into a considerably durable and hard gemstone category, when it comes to its cleaning, it’s generally advised refraining from the use of ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners. Instead, simple and careful use of a warm, soapy water mixture with a soft cloth or a brush should be enough to get the job done. As a variety of quartz, jasper is relatively hard and durable, so as long as the soap mixture isn’t too strong and abrasive, it should be alright.

As it’s also porous and can easily absorb other materials and get stains, jasper should not be soaked. Avoid prolonged heat exposure as heating jasper can lead to a change in color. Jasper should be stored inside a fabric-lined box or wrapped in a soft cloth. It is rated about 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, so jasper should be kept away from other gemstones and jewelry to ensure it does not scratch any softer gemstones or be scratched by other harder gemstones. 

Jasper Meaning, Mythology, Uses, Metaphysical, and Crystal Healing Properties:

Jasper spiritual meaning: Jasper spiritual meaning: Also known as the ‘Nurturing Gemstone,’ jasper is categorized as an elemental earth stone. It is believed to have warm and harmonious energy that resonates with our primal selves.  It does, however, have a couple of all-encompassing traits that we can share, giving you the encouragement you need to develop every facet of your life, be it personal or professional.  Jasper is not a traditional birthstone but a historical birthstone of March. It is not specific to any zodiac sign but is thought to bring Cancer and Capricorn compassion and patience. Aries and Scorpio are the other zodiac signs that seem to benefit from any variety or color of jasper by calming Aries’ hot temper. It is believed to lend Virgo natives strength and persistence in achieving their goals. 

Mythology: In the past, jasper was worn by kings, priests, and shamans from multiple civilizations . Jaspers have been cherished by ancient people and civilizations throughout the world as sacred and powerful stones of protection, for both the physical and spiritual realm. The unique colors and patterns, along with its hardness and polish, have made it a favorite gemstone for millennia, used by Ancient Egyptians and Greeks.  They were hailed as the “rain bringers” and nurturers, healers of the spirit, and stones of courage and wisdom. Historically, jasper was known as a stone of endurance and vibrancy, and a promoter of protection, justice, and life. It is mentioned several times in the bible and was fashioned into tools, seals, beads, and ornaments from the Harappan Empire in the Indus River valley to the Minoan Kingdom of the Greek Island of Crete. 

Jasper benefits and uses:

• Jasper gemstones are rated about 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning they are durable enough to be used in almost any type of jewelry you choose.
• Jasper is believed to calm your emotions by creating everlasting stable energy for improving your health and overcome any illness.
• It assists in setting goals and following through to completion, facing unpleasant tasks, and having the courage to rectify wrongs.
• Jasper helps to alleviate stress and reconnect with the earth’s grounding energies. Its cleansing and detoxing effect eliminates negativity, thereby stabilizing the aura. It is an ideal rubbing stone that helps in soothing the nerves and restoring physical and emotional balance.
• Having this gemstone in the car keeps you calm, improves your concentration, and helps to prevent accidents. Place it in your home or workspace to absorb electromagnetic and environmental pollution and radiation.
• Jasper also helps maintain balance and emotional stability during difficult times, like during the periods of recovery from a serious illness or in long treatments where the outcome is quite uncertain.

Jasper Metaphysical Properties:

• Jasper is regarded as a gemstone that gives a sense of well-being and is believed to help balance aggressive and dynamic energy.
• Since ancient times, from thousands of years to even today, jasper is considered as a protection stone.
• It is believed that jasper was used to staunch wounds and increase fertility.
• Its energies relate to its remarkable ability to bring a sense of peace, patience, and understanding to all with whom it connects.
• This stone helps you stay committed and determined without exhausting yourself or ruining your health. Jasper creates a full circle around your body in which both the feminine and masculine energies are balanced and supportive of each other.
• Jasper is especially helpful for people who are naturally aggressive and often stressed, as it helps maintain the required subtle balance between giving and receiving.
• It can help replenish inner energy resources.
• It is an earthy stone that warms one's soul and clears one's mind.
• Jasper encourages honesty with one's self. It aids quick-thinking and promotes organizational abilities giving you the courage to tackle problems assertively.
• Jasper stimulates the imagination and transforms ideas into action.

Jasper Healing Properties:

• Jasper, in all its various forms and color variants, is considered a powerful healing stone. The mixed bag of chemicals and minerals found in jasper means it can help heal several health issues.
• Stomach and digestive problems, including heartburn and acid reflux, can be alleviated as well as urinary tract infections.
• Jasper's ability to give one the feeling of being healthy and emotionally stable establishes the right connection between mental and physical well-being.
• Also known as the “supreme nurturer,” jasper helps and supports you through times of stress, and restores serenity and peace of mind.
• Jasper supports the circulatory system, aids in detoxifying the blood and removing blockages of the liver and bile ducts.
• It strengthens the heart and enhances circulation, and may be useful in treating anemia, exhaustion, and heart conditions, including the recovery of bypass or transplant surgeries.

Where should you buy jasper gemstones?

At GemsforJewels, we offer natural jasper gemstones of the highest quality in hues of brown, grey, red, and mahogany. These stones can be bought loose, as cabochons, and strands, or even as rosary chains; there are many varieties to pick from. We also offer different appealing shapes, including oval, rondelle, or even mix-shaped. We also have some fascinating jasper beads that you could use for necklaces or anklets. Jasper is an attractive and renowned gemstone that is perfect for all your jewelry creations.