Apparently Jasper was a favorite gem in ancient times. Jasper is referenced in Assyrian, Greek, Hebrew and Latin literatures. During the medieval times, Jasper was reputed to give the wearer the power to heal insanity and to heal those possessed by devils. During the fourth century, wearing green Jasper was practiced to bring rain as well as to cure snake bites. Jasper amulets have been found engraved with passages from the Book of the Dead by the ancient Egyptians probably to procure safe passage for the deceased while in the realm of the dead. And, according to one source, the word Yasfeh in Exodus 28:20 means Jasper and was the stone on the Ephod representing the tribe of Benjamin.

This mineral can be highly polished and is used for jewelry, seals, snuff boxes and vases. Jasper has a hardness of 6.5 to 7.0 on the Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness. Picture Jasper is one of the alternate birthstones of January. Jasper is the state rock of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Many color / banded forms of Jasper are known by special names. For example, Jaspilite is a banded iron formation rock usually found with distinctive bands of Jasper. Egyptian Pebble is a brownish-yellow Jasper. Ocean Jasper usually refers to a specific Jasper found only in one place in Madagascar.

Other names for specific Jaspers include: Achatjaspis, Agate Terreuse, Agathe, Basanite , Bayate, Biggs, Blue Mountain, Bruneau, Chert, Chrysojasper, Cornaline, Creolite, Dallasite, Deschutes, Egyptian Jasper, Iaspis, Jasperite, Jaspis, McDermit Jasper, Orbicular Jasper, Opalite Jasper, Owyhee, Pastelite, Poppy, Quetzalitztli, Riband Jasper, Swiss Lapis (dyed to resemble Lapis Lazuli), Vabanite, Vogelaugenjaspis, Wilkite and Willow Creek. Those mentioned above are far from an exhaustive list but is included to let you know some of the many names for Jasper.

All forms of Jasper are avidly sought after. Every fine-jewelry collection should have several representative examples of each color and style of Jasper.

Colors:
Jasper is usually brown, red or yellow or a mix of these colors and can have speckles, stripes and / or bands of varying color. Picture Jasper or Scenic Jasper has stylized designs from these stripes and bands and are each one-of-a-kind.

Important Note about Color: The actual color and lightness/darkness of the stone will vary from what is displayed on your monitor. There are many reasons that can cause this visual situation, One of the more important reason is the difference between transmitted light color (such as light shining through a gemstone), color generation simulations and adjustments (such as your monitor) and reflected light (light bouncing off objects). Add to this each individual’s personal color sensitivities along with variances in ambient (surrounding) light sources used when the photo was taken as well as those where you are looking at the stone. You should expect that the actual item shading and coloring will vary from what you see on any monitor or printed piece.

Sources:
Jasper is found worldwide.

Sources Note: Due to current political conditions, all imports (including gemstones) from some countries are not permitted under United States law. In accordance with the law, none of the gemstones offered by CAB-FineJewelry are known to be from these countries. CAB-FineJewelry does not knowingly purchase, trade, sell or giveaway goods from any country embargoed by the United States of America. As individuals we may not agree with some of the laws of our great country. However, rather than breaking the law, we choose to work toward changing these laws in a orderly and legal manner and encourage you to do the same.

Care:
As with most all gemstone jewelry, this piece should be cleaned using lukewarm, mild, soapy water and rinsed with the same temperature water. Avoid sudden changes of temperature and, as with all fine jewelry, remove before doing any type of physical work. Traditional gemstone procedure of storing in soft cloth away from other articles of jewelry hold true, too. Ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners and chemicals should never be used.