Crystal/Gemstone Meaning/Property Guide J2

Jasper

The Greek origin of the word jasper, iaspis, means "spotted stone." This form of semiprecious chalcedony, or microcrystalline quartz, is usually red, brown or green. Its patterns are much less regular and defined than those of the other chalcedony variety, agate. Another difference between the two is that jaspers are generally opaque, while agates tend to be translucent (or at least contain translucent bands). This distinction stems from the stones' composition. Jasper contains microscopic "grains" of crystalline quartz and agate has microscopic "fibers" of crystalline quartz. Although the term jasper is often applied to unidentified stones, true jaspers are metamorphic rocks. Jasper derives its colorful patterns from other minerals present, and is often named according to its pattern. It has a dull luster but takes a fine polish, and its hardness and other physical properties are those of quartz. Jasper is often sealed with petroleum products. Its polish might wash away in water, so clean with a soft, dry cloth.

The gem was a favorite in the ancient world, and the name jasper can be traced back in Hebrew, Assyrian, Persian, Greek and Latin.

In the fourth century, it was called the great "rain-bringer," and it has been thought to strengthen the stomach and cure gynecological troubles. Some also use it to drive away evil spirits and protect against snake and spider bites. It supposedly gives you the courage to speak out and the bravery to achieve personal independence.

All Jaspers are used for protection.

African Map Jasper

(aka Spotted Jasper)

A variety of jasper that has markings much like giraffes, cheetahs and hyenas in Africa. This stone can have spots in tan, black and a variety of browns ranging from a reddish-brown to cappuccino.

Black Silver Leaf Jasper

Black silver leaf jasper shares silver leaf jasper's patterns of lines and bands of earthy colors, but is generally darker and rarely includes shades of red.

Brown Zebra Jasper

This stone is cream-colored with reddish-brown striped markings.

Bruneau Jasper

A generally red and green gemstone, deposits of this jasper are found about 50 miles south of Bruneau in Owyhee County, Idaho, U.S.A. It also comes in color combinations of browns to tans and ivory, in both spherical and oval patterns. It is said to be an excellent gemstone for meditation.

Dragon Blood Jasper

This jasper is deep green with spatters of white and blood red. As is only appropriate for a stone of this name, dragon blood jasper is purported to enhance courage and vitality.

Elephant Jasper

Although not a true jasper, this reddish-brown stone with yellow and brown spots is established in the marketplace as jasper, so we've kept its recognized name. It is a natural conglomerate of ancient bivalve shells, sand and limonite (an iron ore similar to hematite).

Fancy Jasper

(aka India Agate)

This gemstone is an opaque creamy beige or gray stone with lavender, green, pink, orange or red swirls and specks. It is said to facilitate tranquility and help eliminate worry and depression. It also might bring mental clarity.

Fire Jasper

(aka African Green Poppy Jasper)

Fire jasper stands out with earthy shades of red, terra cotta, gray and brown.

Flower Jasper

(aka Fancy Jasper)

Flower jasper is a whimsical gemstone; swirls of gray, mauve, raspberry and mustard float amidst a base of cream to dark gray. This stone is not always easy to find. It is said to lift spirits, soothe a broken heart (by activating the heart chakra) and help one break out of depression.

Gray Jasper

This ash-colored gemstone is decorated with reddish-brown and white patches

Green Jasper

This verdant stone is considered the great balancer, connecting the physical and spiritual sides of a person. Mystics note that it doesn't follow the usual properties of green, such as fertility.

Green Leaf Jasper

(aka Chinese Writing Stone, Firework Jasper)

The geometric pale green patterns against its deep green background bring to mind a tree in the afternoon shade.

Green Zebra Jasper

This gemstone has jagged banding of hunter-to-mint green and snow white. Mystics say the light stripes inspire faith, joy and optimism, while the dark sections inspire endurance, confidence and strength. It is said to ease depression and steady mood swings.

Harmony Jasper

(aka Dumar Stone, Lotus Jasper, Peace Jasper, Peace Stone)

The soothing greens and mottled whites of this gemstone remind us of the surf crumbling on the beach. Some beads also include patches of gray, pink or lavender.

Imperial Purple Jasper

This regal jasper is rich with purples, browns and beiges. It exhibits a combination of spots, swirls and spindly matrix. Imperial purple jasper is found in South Africa.

Itasy Jasper

There are several stones on the market with the name itasy jasper. Some, like ours, are composed of pastel shades and varying patterns of tan, gray, cream, white and peach; others include deeper shades of red and yellow and look similar to what we call fancy jasper. The name itasy comes from a volcano in Madagascar and the surrounding region. However, we have been unable to verify this jasper is actually mined in the vicinity of Itasy.

Kambaba Jasper

(aka Brecciated Army Jasper, Camo Stone)

This exotic jasper hails from Africa. It contains a jumbled jungle of forest green, mint green, black and brown. Its pattern includes speckles and concentric rings. Mystics believe it will soothe the nerves and state of mind. It is purported to be beneficial for plant growth and health, particularly in arid environments or where the soil is poor. Healers say kambaba jasper helps dietary stabilization, assimilation of vitamins and minerals and cleansing the body of toxins.

Leopardskin Jasper

Often referred to as a jasper, this stone includes feldspar minerals, which means it is actually a rhyolite. It is mottled with red, yellow, brown and pinkish spots like the fur of a leopard. It is considered a wonderful gemstone for bringing wanted things into your life. It also may enhance your total vibration, stabilizing the heart and solar plexus areas.

Leopardskin Jasper aids in service to others, grounding, Protection during travel.

Leopardskin Jasper is known as the 'supreme nurturer'. It is often worn by shaman to provide protection. It balances the yin yang energy and balances the physical, emotional, and intellectual bodies with the etheric energies. It stabilizes the aura, providing for a cleansing effect to smooth dysfunctional energies and eliminate negativity.

Mexican Zebra Jasper

(aka Black and White Zebra Jasper)

This black-and-white, jaggedly-striped gemstone from Mexico is actually a calcite. It has become known as jasper on the market (likely because its irregular pattern resembles that of jasper), so we've kept its recognized name.

Muddy Jasper

Our muddy jasper is characterized by its rich caramel coloring and mottled patterns of gray, cream and dark brown.

Ocean Jasper

(aka Fisheye Jasper, Orbicular Jasper)

This gemstone is silicified (transformed into silica) rhyolite flow from the northwest coast of Madagascar. It is reminiscent of foam as it recedes back into the ocean, with its wavy patterns of green-gray, white, cream, beige, brown, pink and maroon. It even sometimes flaunts the iridescent white circles so intrinsic to sea spray. Ocean jasper is believed to teach responsibility and patience, as well as help regulate breathing for meditation.

Ocean jasper is a very calming and soothing stone, as well as one of the most protective.  This jasper is specifically used to align all of the chakras.  Ocean jasper encourages the love of oneself and of others, the healing of the emotions and the sense of peace it brings helps us connect to nature and all of the earth.  Ocean Jasper attracts the Devics (nature sprites or faerie kingdom), it is used to encourage the acceptance of responsibility and also thought to increase patience.

Physically this stone is thought to be useful in removing toxins from the physical body as well as the aura.

Paintbrush Jasper

(aka Artistic Jasper, Crazy Horse Stone, Nature's Paintbrush Jasper, Red Paintbrush Jasper)

The delicate play of dark lines across a light background, which remarkably look as though they were painted by a human hand, earned this stone its descriptive name. Color from the well-defined strokes fans out the same way watercolors and India ink spread across paper. The stone even exhibits paint "splotches" and dotted "splatters." The lines are usually black, brown or red and the stone itself white, tan, gray or pink. Although it is often called jasper, these beads are made out of a calcite or calcium carbonate (commonly referred to as limestone) and stabilized with resin.

Picture Jasper

This petrified mud has streaks of color (usually shades of brown) that look like landscapes, anything from desert sand dunes to rocky mountains to a dry riverbed. It is formed by mud rich with quartz that oozed and dripped into pockets of gas formed by molten lava. The heat from the exposure turns the mud solid almost instantly. Picture jasper is found in Idaho and Oregon (U.S.A). It has been used as a psychological tool: the researcher will ask a client who is "looking for an answer" to gaze into the stone and describe all the symbols he sees. The researcher then works with the client to form the symbols into some sort of answer. Picture jasper is said to help with the re-evaluation of life's issues. It is also believed to facilitate development and continuance of business pursuits and activities.

Picture Jasper can be used to further both the development and continuance of business pursuits - to provide for coordination of activities leading to increase. Picture Jasper has been known as "the stone of Global Awareness" - It promotes ‘brotherhood’ to work together to save the planet. Picture Jasper emits an energy which promotes the spiritual affinity to achieve perfect accord between humanity and nature; It is one of the earth stones for the age of redemption & cleansing of the earth. Picture Jasper can be used to stimulate the proper functioning of the immune system, and can be helpful in the treatment of disorders associated with skin and kidneys.

Poppy Jasper

(aka Brecciated Jasper, Poppy Seed Jasper)

A red, pink and black gemstone, poppy jasper is so named because it looks like a bunch of pink and red poppies. It is said to bring attunement to animals and heal animal allergies.

Rainbow Jasper

(aka African Rainbow Jasper)

This red, brown and tan jasper is found in northern California (U.S.A) and South Africa. A "sustaining stone," it is said to be helpful in times of low energy and to stabilize the aura. It also is believed to produce a calming effect, especially in decision making.

Red Creek Jasper

(aka Chinese Picasso, Reed Picasso)

This descriptively named stone exhibits a variety of interesting patterns in shades of rusty red, ochre, taupe and gray. Its unique mix of warm and cool tones pairs well with both copper and silver.

Red Jasper

With its acorn-red coloring and dark-gray stripes, this gemstone has a decidedly earthy quality. The stripes often seen in red jasper are quartz veins. The stone is used to regulate metabolic energy and promote physical stamina. It also is believed to have the ability to send negative energy back to the sender, the way a mirror reflects light.

Red Jasper offers protection during travel and from negativity.

Red Ocean Jasper

(aka Red Sea Jasper)

Red ocean jasper is the same mineral, from the same deposit, as regular ocean jasper. It has the same circular and wavy patterns, but with more red and very little green.

Rose Jasper

This gemstone of mottled red, green and pink symbolizes emotional security and is therefore believed to give emotional stability to the wearer.

Silver Leaf Jasper

Reminiscent of silvery leaves in a forest, this finely colored and patterned jasper contains shades of cream and black, bits of brown and, occasionally, hints of red. Its patterns tend to be in lines and bands, and it is said to provide protection and good luck.

Silver Mist Jasper

This type of jasper is found in neutral colors with bands of gray, tan and cream. Some silver mist jasper is more green, with gray and tan-colored bands.

Silver Smoke Jasper

Wispy lines of light gray "smoke" against a black background characterize this descriptively named gemstone.

Snakeskin Jasper

Snakeskin jasper is said be a gemstone of protection and invincibility. There are two distinct varieties of snakeskin jasper. The red gemstone, with sleek bands and patches of pale-to-deep red, is reminiscent of an exotic serpent. The green variety incorporates earthy grays, browns and greens into interesting patterns.

Sunset Jasper

Named for the similarity its colors have to sunsets, this variety of jasper displays assortment of brown tones with yellow.

Tiger Jasper

Strangely enough, this particular gemstone is a spotted stone in lovely shades of burgundy, pink, rust, cream and brown. Guess this is one tiger that really can change its stripes! We have been unable to verify its mineral composition.

Tigerskin Jasper

With its golden brown base and dark stripes, this jasper's patterns resemble those of great jungle cats. Some beads sport sleek veins of tigereye.

Turtle Shell Jasper

(aka Chalcedite)

This is a mottled jasper that looks like turtle's shell, with shades of brown, mahogany, gold, peach and orange-red.

White Jasper

(aka Rabbit Jade)

This snowy gemstone gives a fresh, clean look to any piece.

Wild Horse Jasper

This variety of jasper is an alluring combination of white with brown and small tan spots.

Wood Jasper

Though useless for starting fires, the woodlike colors and patterns of this jasper make it perfect to wear on camping trips!

Yellow Jasper

(aka Ambronite)

The soft beeswax color of this gemstone is very soothing. It is often used for problems with the stomach, intestines, liver and spleen, and to balance the third chakra. It is said to offer protection while on a journey and to alleviate stress.

Yellow Jasper offers protection during travel and from negativity.

Zebra Jasper

Jaspers with dark, jagged stripes of black or brown on a background of white, gray or tan are know as zebra jaspers. This gemstone is said to be very helpful with balancing energy, work and play, and allowing the wearer to see both sides of a situation.