Jasper
About
Mohs Scale 6.5 to 7
From the Greek 'iaspis' and Hebrew 'yashpeh' meaning spotted stone. Jasper is a diverse variety of microcrystalline quartz and chalcedony, with opaque, dense and patterned appearance. A wide color range can appear, due to up to 20% of its content containing foreign minerals like iron (red/brown), chlorite (green), or clay (yellow).
Red Jasper: Streaks of black through deep reds, symbolizing vitality, stamina and strength.
Green Jasper: Shades of green from light to dark, promotes balance, emotional stability and healing.
Ocean Jasper (orbicular): Circular patterns in sea foam shades of color, enhancing self-expression, freedom and joy.
Mookaite Jasper: An Australian variety featuring bright red, yellow and purple, symbolizing self-trust, creativity and adventure.
Picture Jasper: Landscape patterned shades of earth-toned browns, utilized in nature-connection and creativity ignition.
Dalmatian Jasper: Ivory shades backing black and pale pink spots, reminiscent of Dalmatians, bringing protection and grounding.
Polychrome (Desert) Jasper: A swirling variety of rusty eathtones in changing harmony, symbolizing balance and unity.
Rainforest Jasper (Rhyolite): Creamy shades mingle through greens and browns, brings joy and emotional balance.
Brecciated Jasper: A fragmented and cemented appearance with browns and reds through 'mortar' grays, signifying mental clarity and strength.
Kambaba Jasper: Black spots and 'eyes' on shades of green, used for meditation, grounding and nature connection.
Bumblebee Jasper: An increasingly rare variety with electric yellows, black and grey, enhancing stability and grounding.
The 'supreme nurturer' brings support, stability and calm across all manner of difficulty and everyday life. Used to shield against negative energy, environmental pollutants and electromagnetic radiation.
Though used in prehistoric times for tools, due its tough conchoidal fracture, it is mostly used ornamentally and metaphysically today.
Use & Care
Use: Last On, First Off: Apply all lotions, perfumes, and hair/body sprays before putting on jewelry to prevent chemical buildup that can dull and damage the surface. Activity Check: Remove jewelry before swimming (chlorine), showering (soap residue and chemical exposures), or high impact activities like exercise or gardening to avoid damage. Chemical Exposure: Avoid household cleaners, alcohol-based sanitizers, and vinegar, which can alter appearances permanently.
Cleaning: Method: Use lukewarm water and mild (detergent free) soap. Action: Gently rub with a soft cloth. Drying: Crucial. Immediately pat dry with a soft lint-free cloth. Do not air-dry, as residual moisture can damage porous stones over time. Avoid: Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners, which can cause fractures and strip some colors.
Storage: Individual Separation: Store each piece in its own soft pouch or a lined compartment to prevent stones and metals of varying hardness scratching each other. Environment: Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Moisture Control: Consider adding silica packets to storage containers to absorb excess humidity that can tarnish metals and affect stones over time.
Longevity: Avoid prolonged water and sun exposure.