Japser - The Different Colors, Shapes and Sizes

Jasper is one of the more common minerals, mainly because it is formed from quartz, which takes up over 12% of the surface of the earth. Jasper is an extremely interesting mineral that has been known to man for thousands of years. In fact, there is even evidence of prehistoric man using jasper as weapons or tools in Ethiopia, perhaps millions of years ago.

Jasper is very common and is found throughout the world. Many ancient people knew about this mineral and used it mainly as ornamental jewelry, seals for politicians or to create everyday items such as bowls or small cases.

Jasper comes in many sizes and can sometimes be found in big chunks usually near quartz veins. Jasper’s most common hues are red, brown and yellow, however it can sometimes be found with plenty of mineral inclusions such as Hematite or Goethite. When other minerals are present, Jasper takes on wild and attractive hues and attributes. For instance Hematite can form rings or stripes throughout the Jasper similar to Agate, and spots can occur giving it a leopard type or tiger type attribute.

Today, Jasper is used as ornamental jewelry and it can be a great way to be in fashion, since this mineral goes well with today’s sensibilities and styles. Many times jasper is used in bracelets, earrings, pendants and rings. Jasper can also be sewn onto fabrics such as handbags or even shoes. If you are looking for an attractive gemstone with plenty of style, color and variety, check out Jasper.

How and Where is Jasper Formed and Found?

Jasper is a mineral formed from quartz. Quartz is the most common type of mineral that makes up about 12% of the earth’s crust. While jasper is extremely common, it is also extremely beautiful and has been used since ancient times for ornamental jewelry, as well as bowls and other necessities.

Jasper is a grainy, fibrous mineral type. It is called cryptocrystalline, because it is made up of very small crystals which can not be seen with the naked eye. Jasper’s scientific composition is Si02 and its crystals are formed in a hexagonal shape. Jasper is extremely common and found pretty much in every region of the world.

Jasper is mainly known to come in three different colors, yellow, brown and red. Besides these colors, it can also come as striped or spotted. Usually to make these types of varieties other inclusion are needed such as Hematite and Goethite. Because of the numerous regions that Jasper is found, as well as the varieties that it is able to be formed in, many times Jasper is named after the region or its attributes.

Jasper is a pretty hard substance with a score from 6.5 to 7, measured on Moh’s hardness scale. This makes it very good to create ornamental jewelry and other items. It is also translucent to transparent in clarity and sometimes has either a very dull or very greasy luster. What makes Jasper very popular is the wild varieties that it can come in. In many of its forms it is very attractive and makes wonderful jewelry or ornaments.