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Tan and Cream Jasper

The Gemstone Jasper




Jasper is an opaque variety of Chalcedony, and is usually associated with brown, yellow, or reddish colors, but may be used to describe other opaque colors of Chalcedony such as dark or mottled green, orange, and black. Jasper is almost always multicolored, with unique color patterns and habits.
Chemical Formula SiO2
Color White, Blue, Red, Green, Yellow, Orange, Brown, Gray, Black, Banded, Multicolored
Hardness 6.5 - 7
Crystal System Hexagonal
Refractive Index 1.54 - 1.55
SG 2.63 - 2.65
Transparency Opaque
Double Refraction .009
Luster Vitreous
Cleavage Indiscernible
Mineral Class Quartz (Chalcedony). See also the Jasper mineral page.


Jasper AUCTIONS

ALL ABOUT
The appeal of Jasper is its interesting color patterns and formations. Though it can be a solid color, it is most often mottled, spotted, ringed, or striped. Each Jasper has a unique color or pattern, lending this gemstone much variety. Jasper is an ancient gemstone, and is mentioned in the bible and other classical sources. Though fairly common and affordable today, Jasper in antiquity was regarded as a valuable stone.


USES
Jasper is generally an inexpensive gemstone when used in jewelry. It is cut and polished into cabochons, and used as beads for necklaces and bracelets. It is also carved into cameos which can be worn as pendants.

VARIETIES
Jasper has an over-abundance of variety names. Some variety names are generally used by collectors and dealers, but there are many made up by dealers to describe a locality or other habit. The varieties below are the well-known names or varieties that are commonly encountered. Seldom-used and localized trade names are not described here.



Jasper TREATMENTS AND ENHANCEMENTS
Most Jasper is natural and not treated or enhanced, although occasionally it is dyed.

Jasper SOURCES
Jasper is common and found worldwide. Important deposits exist in India, Russia, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Egypt, Madagascar, Australia, Brazil, Venezuela, Uruguay and the United States (Oregon, Idaho, Washington, California, Arizona, Utah, Arkansas, and Texas).


SIMILAR GEMSTONES
Jasper is distinguished from other Chalcedony varieties such as Agate and Carnelian by its opacity. The unique color patterns (combined with hardness) can distinguish Jasper from all other gemstones.


Jasper PHOTOS [Click photos for more details]

Jasper IN THE ROUGH PHOTOS [Click photos for more details]

 
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
 
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