Blog posts of '2016' 'March'

Jasper is considered the stone of balance and peace.  Although jasper may contain fine grained clay, it is often classified between the micro-crystalline varieties of quartz. In its chemical composition it is similar to agate, but it is more opaque. The colors generally range from yellow, red, reddish brown to green. Jasper carries many names, some referring to their matrix or to their origin, others to rivers and mountains and so on ... however, not all that falls under the heading of jasper is actually jasper ... quite some volcanic igneous rock calls itself jasper.

African turquoise is a spotted light blue-green jasper mined in Africa and is so called for its matrix resemblance to turquoise. It is actually a harder gemstone than the soft turquoise. It is said to encourage personal growth and evolution.

Earthy brown jasper also shows off large quartz bands and thin red lines. Brown being the color of the earth, this jasper connects us with nature and provides a calming stability.

Indonesian Bumble Bee or Bumblebee jasper … or the scent of danger … is a volcanic stone with sulfur layers and hematite traces from around Mount Papandayan in West Java. It is softer (Mohs' hardness 4.0-5.0) than jasper and often stabilized.

Crocodile jasper (Kambamba/Kambaba Jasper or Stromatolite jasper) has cores of algae which are coated with layers of iron sulfide. Over time the algae circles were replaced by blue-green minerals held in layers of black and yellow brown iron sulfide. This gemstone is found in northwestern Madagascar (South-Africa). It is believed to be a stone of transformation and change and said to soothe the nerves and to alleviate stress.

Fancy Jasper shows off a whimsical color combination of creamy beige, light grey, lavender blue, lilac pink and shades of green. To deepen the lavender and lilac mix, add Amethyst or lavender blue Malaysian Jade. If you want to accentuate the greens, mix it with green Aventurine. As this is an opaque gemstone, it would be interesting to add glass beads in those colors. Fancy Jasper brings tranquility and relaxation.

Heliotrope, also known as “Bloodstone”, is a dark green to dark blue-green opaque jasper with reddish spots of hematite or iron oxide (Fe2O3). The natural green color is produced by mineral sediments of marine water. Its name means “sun turning” in reference to the way it reflects light. It is the traditional birthstone of March and said to give courage, strength and good luck.

SEE - part 2

Imperial jasper is found in the Guadalajara, Jalisco area of Mexico. It has circular patterns and a creamy porcelain-like finishing. It comes in natural earthy pastel shades such as cream, pink and green. It is said to stabilize emotions.

Impression jasper is a trade name of a gemstone known under many other names.  It is mined in Hubei, China.  Because of its natural pale blue-green color with sandy, crimson or gray matrix, it is also called Aqua Terra Jasper, African blue opal or Sea Sediment Jasper. The natural blue varieties surely will give you also that relaxing feeling … as they are believed to bring inner peace, clarity and abundance.

Leopard skin jasper seems to be the trade name for a striking glassy Mexican Rhyolite. It resembles the mottled coat of a leopard with its spotting of red, bronze and pink on a background of gray. It is said to encourage taking responsibility and is associated with the root chakra.

Mookaite Windalia Radiolarite(mookite or moukaite) is a banded West Australian jasper in deep red, pink, purple and warm yellow earthy shades. Its name refers to the Mooka creek. It is said to be an emotional protector full of calming energy and is linked to the root chakra.

Ocean Jasper or Orbicular Quartz is found in the northwestern coastal region of Madagascar. It is a conglomerate of jasper and quartz. Like Poppy jasper it contains circular patterns. It comes in earthy light brown shades mixed with swirls and layers of white to transparent quartz and dark green Rhyolite. Green Ocean Jasper is associated with the heart chakra and releases stress.

SEE - part 3

In shades of black, brown, gray and cream Picasso jasper (Picasso marble or Picasso stone) shows a beautiful, distinct pattern due to the heat and pressure from deep within the earth. The striking patterns and lines give it a cubist character. That is why it is named after Pablo Picasso. It is said to attract like minded souls and to help renew lost friendships. Picasso Jasper is the birthstone of the Leo.

Banded Picture jasper shows off earthy sand and brown desert colors. This type of jasper is said to create perspective and to help resolve life's issues.

Poppy jasper has a warm red brown color with swirling poppy or orbicular patterns and dashes of grey and cream. It is a stimulating stone that brings cheerfulness.

Another volcanic igneous rock hidden under the jasper name is called Rainforest jasper (Rain forest jasper). This Australian (Queensland) moss green gemstone with gray quartz and brown feldspar nodules is reminiscent of the rain forest, but has no further link with it. It is also known as Spherulitic (with small needle-like spheres) rhyolite, green rhyolite and agatized rhyolite. Rhyolite is said to encourage self-realization and creativity.

Think earthy autumn colors when you imagine Red Creek jasper. Although it owns its name to the Red River/Creek, which runs in southeastern direction through China, it is also known as Cherry Creek jasper, red Picasso jasper and New Picasso jasper. The bright colors are all natural. However, Red Creek jasper is much softer than regular jasper. It is said to bring balance and relaxation.

SEE - part 4

As reddish as carnelian, but more opaque, Red jasper thanks its deep red color to iron oxides. It contains often thin grayish quartz lines. Some claim that this stone of perseverance is also highly protective.  Together with the Bloodstone, it is the birthstone of the month of March.

Riband jasper (or ribbon jasper, banded jasper, striped jasper, jasperine) is a jasper with parallel stripes of deep red, brown and cream. Some call it the good luck stone.

Silver leaf jasper, so called after the silver leaf oak, a lovely ornamental tree, has a natural swirling leaf and spot pattern in black, gray and white tones with a warm hue. This gemstone is used to heighten will power and discipline. It promotes peace, quiet and centering, which make it an ideal stone for meditation.

Tiger iron jasper is mined in South-Africa and Western Australia and is mainly colored by iron oxide. It has the characteristic attractive banding of tiger eye, but contains also red jasper and silvery streaks of hematite. It is the stone of creative and physical energy.

Zebra jasper is a creamy white to light brown banded jasper with dark brown streaks. It is said to help balance energy and to allow to see both sides of a situation. It promotes calm and centering, which make it an ideal stone for meditation.

Thank you for choosing your gemstone beads @ http://dunebeads.com/en/jasper-beads-in-plural !