Jasper – An Object Lesson on a Lovely Gemstone
A beautiful gemstone formed in nature – we all know it’s name, have likely seen it, and quite possibly have worn it…but do we actually know what it is, what it does and where it comes from?
What is Jasper?
Jasper is an opaque stone formed from sediment or ash. The variety of color and patterns you find in Jasper comes from the flow patterns and, basically, where the sediment decides to land.
The most common colors of Jasper are red, brown, and yellow. You may also color varites such as White, blue, green, yellow, orange, gray, black, banded, multicolored. It’s rare to see Jasper with a single color. Because it forms from sediment, it will usually have unique & multiple patterns and colors. Can you imagine sediment and ash all combining so perfectly to create such a lovely stone?
Jasper is a very popular and affordable gemstone for jewelry because of it’s beautiful colors, opacity, and strength.
Where does Jasper get it’s name?
The name Jasper, as it applies to the stone, means “spotted or speckled stone,” and is derived via Old French, jaspre (variant of Anglo-Normanjaspe) and Latin, iaspidem (nom. iaspis).
Hanks, Patrick; Hardcastle, Kate; Hodges, Flavia (2006). A Dictionary of First Names(2 ed.). Oxford University Press. p. 138. ISBN 978-0198610601.
Jasper: The usual English form of the name assigned in Christian folklore to one of the three Magi or ‘wise men’, who brought gifts to the infant Christ at his birth (Matthew 2:1). The name does not appear in the Bible, and is first found in medieval tradition. It seems to be ultimately of Persian origin, from a word meaning ‘treasurer’. There is probably no connection with the English vocabulary word jasper denoting a gemstone, which is of Semitic origin.
Where does Jasper come from?
Though it was quite valuable in ancient times (even having several mentions in the bible as a precious stone), Jasper is quite common worldwide, and affordable. The most notable deposits of Jasper can be found in India, Russia, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Egypt, Madagascar, Australia, Brazil, Venezuela, Uruguay and the United States.
You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: carnelian, chrysolite and emerald, topaz, onyx and jasper, lapis lazuli, turquoise and beryl. Your settings and mountings were made of gold; on the day you were created they were prepared.
Ezekiel 28:13 NIV
What does Jasper do?
For starters, it’s a natural environmental protectant…it can clear electromagnetic and environmental pollution, including radiation.
Jasper is often referred to as the “Supreme Nurturer.” Healing and metaphysical properties attributed to Jasper include, but are not limited to offering tranquility, unification, dream recall, mental & physical balance, determination, prolonged sexual pleasure, energy, mental clarity & stimulation, imagination, and courage.
So, how is there a lesson here?
We all love beautiful things. They catch our eyes and appeal to our senses. It’s very easy to just purchase something because you think it’s pretty…this will not fill the void…you’ll just have a bunch of pretty things. It’s ok to have pretty things, within your budget. It’s ok to find things that are functional and beautiful. Don’t you enjoy using items in your home that you find visually appealing? I mean, it’s actually more fun to cook if you a pretty, matching set of dishes on which to serve a meal…
We plant shrubbery and flowers around our homes not only because they are pretty, but they also serve to protect our homes from erosion and excess water.
When we pick out eye glasses, we have HUNDREDS of choices in the doctor’s office, and thousands more elsewhere…because what’s pretty to me, might not be pretty to you. And with lovely options in every price range, why would we choose something we don’t like?
Look for beauty and quality in the items you purchase for everyday use, and you will enjoy them all the more…you’ll also end up saving money in the long run, as you won’t replace it so quickly (because you love, and because it will actually last) and you’ll actually chooses to use it more often.
We can look throughout history and see that Jasper has been used throughout history as both a practical and ornamental tool…in jewelry today, it’s more ornamental of course, unless you’re considering hair jewelry that actual serves a purpose while it decorates. In every culture, we can see countless uses and an appreciation for the beauty of this timeless, sturdy stone. Find those items for your home and life in this world full of disposable items and instant gratification. I assure you, you will take more pleasure in delaying your purchase to find something you absolutely love.
Do you have any jewelry or household items made with Jasper?
I thoroughly enjoyed taking a deep dive into art and the history of Jasper. I spent a great deal of time reading and looking at items used for religious ceremony, rings, artwork, and even furniture decorated with Jasper. The MET has some wonderful photographs of their site, and there are hundreds more available online. It was interesting to me see that many Wax Seal rings were made with Jasper set in many different styles of rings. The artwork and carvings on these rings presents a functional, unique, and beautiful adornment.
Much Love to you and yours!
Cindi
Self proclaimed Godmother of the Messy Bun Mafia.
