The Bewitching Beauty of Jasper

Noreena Jasper, Pilbara Region, Western Australia; photo courtesy of WorldofJaspers

What is jasper and why do they come is such amazing colors and patterns?  Inquiring minds want to know, so I did a bit research and decided to share it with you:

Jasper is not a mineral in the strict sense since it does not have a specific chemical composition.  It is, instead, a mingling of different types of microcrystalline quartz mixed with impurities from other minerals.  It is an opaque rock of virtually any color, depending on the mineral content of the original silica-rich sediment or volcanic ash.  Patterns arise during the consolidation process of the gemstone, often forming flow or depositional patterns.  Sometimes the rock fractures during formation, allowing colorful minerals to seep in and solidify, forming "landscapes" and a myriad of other stunning patterns.  

Chinese dendritic landscape jasper focal bead necklace by Augie of TheSilverBear on ArtFire

Ever since man learned to carve, jasper has been a favorite gemstone.  Its name can be found in ancient Arabic, Persian, Hebrew, Assyrian, Greek and Latin.  Our modern name "jasper" is derived from Old French "jaspre" meaning "spotted or speckled stone", a perfect name in my opinion.  The Greeks called the gemstone "iaspidem" which, interestingly, is a derivation of the Hebrew word "yashepheh" coming from a root word meaning "to polish".  Perfect, again, since jasper can take a high polish.

Paintbrush jasper, riverstone and Swarovski crystal handmade necklace by Catherine of ShadowDogDesigns on ArtFire

Historically, jasper was important to ancient man.  Worn by kings, priests and shamans, it was considered a sacred and powerful protection stone in both the physical and spiritual worlds.  The oldest documented pieces of carved jaspers date back to 20,000 BC in what is now France where it was used to create ceremonial and decorative objects.  Between the 4th and 5th millenium, green jasper was used to make bow drills in Mehrgarh, an ancient Neolithic site on the Kacchi Plain in Pakistan. The ancient Egyptians used jasper to create scarab amulets, signet rings and seals.  A poem about the Egyptian god Djeheuty (or Thoth) mentions jasper:  ". . . He lights up the earth with his sparkle; The moon disc on his head is of red jasper . . . "  Jasper amulets were carved with symbols and inscriptions from the Book of the Dead and buried with mummified remains for safe passage in the afterlife.

Archaeologists have recovered carved jasper seals, dated to around 1800 BC, in the palace of Knossos on Minoan Crete.  The Bible also mentions jasper (yashepheh).  It  is named as the 12th stone in Aaron's breastpiece, probably a very rare and prized piece of green jasper.  Revelation also mentions jasper in several places, most notably as the 6th foundation stone of the New Jerusalem.   

Roman Imperial yellow jasper gemstone engraved with a radiate head of Helios, a star and a scorpion, AD 100-300.  Photo courtesy of the British Museum

In the Middle Ages, jasper was believed to quicken thought and action while ensuring caution and the avoidance of needless risk.  To guard the mother and child from demons flying through the air during childbirth, Hildegard von Bingen, a 12th century abbess, theologian and healer, advised the mother to hold a piece of jasper during and after labor.  Physicians often wore jasper to aid in their diagnoses and to drive away evil spirits that were causing illnesses, especially fevers, dropsy, and epilepsy.  Jasper was said to protect against snake bite and mottled jaspers were especially potent to prevent drowning.  Because of its perceived healing abilities, jasper was often carved into chalices, cups, plates, etc, for wealthier patrons - unfortunately not many have survived to this day.

A jasper (with natural amethyst inclusions) cup with gilded-silver mounts, crafted in Prague, late 14th century.  Photo courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Metaphysically, jasper is known as the "supreme nurturer" and is a stone of great protection.  Helping to protect against negativity, it is said to sustain and support the wearer during times of stress, helping to bring tranquility and wholeness. Jasper is believed to encourage honesty with one's self and provides courage to assertively tackle problems.  Each individual type of jasper also has its own metaphysical properties.

Apache Picture Jasper, Mimbres Valley, New Mexico; photo courtesy of WorldofJaspers

As can be expected, since jaspers are found worldwide, the classification and naming of jaspers is challenging.  Some are named because they are found only in one spot in the world, such as Bruneau jasper, found in a canyon near Bruneau, Idaho, or Mookaite jasper, found in outcroppings near Mooka Creek in the Kennedy Ranges of Western Australia.  Many are given descriptive names, such as Dalmatian jasper, Red jasper or Leopardskin jasper.  Picture, Landscape or Nature's Paintbrush jaspers exhibit exquisite combinations of patterns resulting in what appears to be scenes or images on a cut section.  Many are given fanciful names, such as Rainbow jasper, Sci-Fi jasper or Forest Fire jasper.  Even more confusing, as with many wildflowers and landscape plants, many jaspers have multiple names.  Whatever their names are, however, there is rarely a jasper that I have met that I haven't liked.

To finish this post, I thought I would share several pieces of jewelry from the studios of ArtFire artists that highlight the beauty of jasper:

Dalmatian jasper pendant set in sterling silver handmade by Quentin of lunarskies

Royal Sahara jasper drilled pendant handmade by Ginny of Ginnysart

Turtle jasper pendant necklace with ocean and African jaspers handmade by Kat of KatsAllThat

If you are interested in seeing some of the most amazing jasper photos I have ever stumbled across, be sure to check out the World of Jaspers.  It is the site of Hans Gamma, who has a passion for jaspers and is documenting through photography many of them.  Originally from Switzerland, he retired to the Arizona desert.  You won't be sorry you took a nice long look at the site.

I hope you have enjoyed this short history of jasper and have come away with a better appreciation of this amazing gemstone.  I know I have just by doing this research!