Sea Jasper

Gemstone:

Sea Jasper

Birthstone Month:

Jasper is associated with the birthstone month of January.

Zodiac:

Jasper is associated with the zodiac signs of Aquarius and Leo.

Chemical Symbol:

SiO2

Chemical Make-up:

Jasper is a microcrystalline variety of Quartz, and a member of the Chalcedony family. It often contains organic material and iron oxides that account for its interesting patterns, bands, and colors.

History & Lore:

The name Jasper means “spotted stone”, and is ultimately derived from the Persian word 'yashp'. Ocean Jasper is mined near the ocean, thus the name.

Jasper was a favorite gemstone of ancient times and can be traced back to Greek, Hebrew, Persian, Latin, and Assyrian literature.

Jasper is a protective stone and is said to align the chakras and balance the yin and yang energies. In legend, Jasper was believed to protect against evil spirits and forces, and was also believed to bring courage and relief from pain. It is also said to protect against venomous snake and spider bites.

Availability:

Sea Jasper is a recently discovered gemstone that is enjoying increasing popularity. Currently supply meets demand, though deposits may possibly dry up in the future.

Sources:

Sea Jasper was recently discovered along with Ocean Jasper on the northwest coast of Madagascar, where it is mined along the ocean during low tide.

Evaluation:

Sea Jasper is rated at 6.5 to 7 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness and should be protected from scratches and sharp blows. Sea Jasper, being volcanic in origin, is rich in silica and is the product of rhyolitic flow. It is a translucent green gemstone with areas of yellow to yellowish orange, and scattered, small spots of opaque white. This unique stone technically should be labeled as an Agate because Jaspers are described as being an opaque variety of Chalcedony.

The value of Sea Jasper is determined by the saturation and richness of the colors, the level of translucency, and the design in which it is formed.

Common Cuts:

Jasper has been used for sculptures, bowls, vases, seals, and other ornamentation purposes dating back thousands of years. As a gemstone, Sea Jasper is most commonly found cut into cabochons and beads.

Routine Enhancements:

There are no known enhancements for Sea Jasper.

Care & Cleaning:

Jaspers are often sealed with petroleum products therefore they should not be cleaned with water because it can remove the coating / polish. It is best to clean your Jasper jewelry with a soft dry cloth. As with most gemstones, Jaspers should be kept away from prolonged exposure to extremes of heat and household chemicals that can damage the stone. Always keep your Jasper jewelry in a fabric-lined box away from other jewelry items in order to avoid damage / scratching.