JASPER
Specifications
Mineral Class: Chalcedony
Crystal System: Hexagonal
Hardness: 7
Luster: Vitreous
Diaphaneity: Opaque
Colors: Wide Variety
Birthstone: March
Symbolizes: Nurture
Source: Worldwide
Jasper is an aggregate of micro-granular quartz and chalcedony as well as other mineral phases. It is an opaque variety of silica, occurring as red, yellow, brown, green, blue, more. Its most common form occurs as red, due to the iron inclusion oxidizing as it reacts with oxygen. It is used for a variety of purposes including vases, snuff boxes and seals.
Jasper’s name means spotted rock or speckled stone depending on which language you are using to trace its origins. There are archaeological records from throughout the ancient world, from the Israelite's to the Minoans in Crete of how this stone was used. It was used most for ornamentation as well as setting carved Jasper in signet rings for sealing contracts and matters of the state. Jasper has several variations including Ocean, Picture, Polychrome, Red, Rainforest, Mookite, Bumblebee, Brecciated, and more.
