Jasper is an ornamental rock composed mostly of Chalcedony, microcrystalline quartz, in association with other minerals, which give it colorful bands and patterns. Jasper was a favorite gem in the ancient world, and the name Jasper can be traced back in Hebrew, Assyrian, Persian, Greek, and Latin.
Jasper is often named according to its pattern: landscape Jaspers, the most popular, offer a small worldscape in stone pattern. Ribbon Jasper, picture Jasper, and orbicular Jasper describe other designs. Jasper is found in many countries. It is sometimes used to create bowls and other objects and to adorn buildings, such as the Saint Wenceslas Chapel in Prague.
Jasper is usually red, brown or yellow and colored by oxides of iron. Jasper is rarely uniform in color. It is usually multicolored, striped, or spotted and generally opaque in appearance. The name is said to come from the
Greek word "iaspis" for Jasper.
There are many types of Jasper gems. Varieties include, Willow Creek Picture Jasper, Wildhorse Picture Jasper, Stone Yard Jasper, Rocky Butte Picture Jasper, Rainforest Jasper, Owyhee Picture Jasper, Ocean Jasper Madagascar, Leopard Skin Jasper, Howlite Imperial Jasper, Fryite Picture Jasper, African Queen Picture Jasper, Chicken Track Picture Jasper, Blue Mountain Picture Jasper, Cripple Creek Picture Jasper, Deschutes River Jasper, Canadian Ocean Rock, Abraciated Jasper, Burrow Creek Jasper, Breneau Jasper, Arroyo Picture Jasper, Blood Stone Jasper, Biggs Jasper, and Poppy Jasper.
Jasper comes from many places in the world. Some which can be found in Mexico, Australia, Oregon, Idaho, across Europe in Poland, Germany, and Spain.
Jasper is a widely used gemstone in the Jasper jewelry and arts industry. It's unique patterns and colors make beautiful center or accent stones. All the Jasper we use in our jewelry is hand cut and hand polished. Most of the specimens come from Africa or Australia. Please be sure and visit our jewelry collection for the latest Jasper jewelry designs available. We have a wide range of Jasper jewelry designs available. From bright red Australian Jasper jewelry, to milkly brown Jasper jewelry. Please check back frequently, as we'll be adding new Jasper types to our jewelry selection. Upcoming examples include Poppy Jasper pendants, Picture Jasper items, Biggs Jasper, and more.
Jasper Source: International Colored Gemstone Association
