Jasper is said to be a protective stone. It gives us courage, wealth, and confidence. It is said to calm the nerves, to repel negative energy, and to keep us in control of our emotions. Jasper is associated with the Zodiac signs of Aries, Aquarius, Leo, and Virgo. It is the mystical birthstone for the month of October, and one of the birthstones for the month of January.
The following three articles about jasper were written by Stephanie Pflumm.
This member of the quartz family is sometimes referred to as the dirty quartz. Its opaque surface is the result of massive inclusions of minerals & other organic materials. While Rose Quartz or Amethyst get their color from microscopic inclusions of manganese or iron, Jasper's color comes from massive inclusions. Often more than 20% of Jasper's content comes from included iron, copper or other matter. Almost identical to Chalcedony (Agate, Carnelian, Onyx), experts classify the stones by splintering the specimen. A splinter of Jasper will be opaque, Chalcedony will be transparent.
Jasper forms in a range of colors, including red, blue, green, yellow & banded. The gem is distributed world wide, sometimes as simple pebbles in the bed of a stream. Sometimes as a gorgeous, rare stone like the Ivory Jasper found in Levant. It will form in the crevices of siliceous rocks, as part of igneous rocks & as an inclusion in clay slate.
Jasper is found in the US in Kansas, South Dakota & the Southwest. Around the world, treasured specimens are mined in Germany, Russia, China, Italy & the Arabian Desert.
At the end of this article, you'll find a quick Jasper table, discussing some of the various colors & energies associated with specific Jasper specimens.
Historically Jasper has been used for carving Amulets & is still utilized for creating protective energies today. It also has a history as a warrior's stone. The hilt of Siegfried's sword "Balmung" was set with Jasper stones.
Native Americans have used Jasper to call the rain & to relieve the pain of childbirth. I have used Jasper very successfully for rain energies. Arrowheads were carved from Jasper to attract luck.
Very effective for both defensive & protective energies, use it to protect yourself from your own dangerous desires that can lead you astray. It can defend you from both physical & non-physical threats & give you courage in preparation for a conflict, either physical or mental. Use it to free yourself from self-made constraints or create the energies to turn ideas into reality.
You can use Jasper to align the Chakras, or use a specific color to balance or tune a corresponding Chakra. If you practice astral projection, Jasper can help provide a safe journey.
For healing energies, Jasper can aid in disorders of many internal organs such as your kidneys, liver, bladder & stomach. It can help restore a lost sense of smell. You can use this gem to fortify your immune system or assist in healing diseases associated with sex organs. Jasper provides protection from environmental toxins & balances the mineral content in your physical body.
JASPER COLOR FEATURES:
Brown
- Recognize the connection between all the worlds & assists in maintaining awareness. Allows you to adapt to situations & recognize the best outcomes.
Picture
- the stone for Global Awareness, stimulates the third eye.
Red
- assists you in remembering dreams, prevents set-backs in illness (my rain calling stones are Red Jasper) sends negativity back to the sender
Green
- healing & wealth energies, prevents hallucinations, brings restful sleep (Bloodstone)
Yellow
- brings about a state of tranquility, stimulates imagination & faith, acceptance of intuition & removes energy blockages.
This information was taken from ORE Features, a publication written by Stephanie Pflumm, reprinted with permission.
ORE'S FEATURED GEMSTONE: Jasper
by Stephanie Pflumm
Jasper belongs to that nearly infinite Quartz family called Chalcedony. The Jasper family itself is rather extensive, sparkling in every color available in Mother's spectrum. Members have wonderful names like Picture Jasper, Ivory Jasper, Picasso Jasper, Fancy Jasper, Royal Plume Jasper. Some members are unique to certain places like the Mook or Mookite Jaspers from Australia.
Jasper is a crypto crystalline Quartz. Simply put, the crystals in Jasper gemstones are so dense and so tightly compacted that they are invisible to the naked eye. The biggest difference between a Red Jasper and a Citrine is that there is probably 20 to 30% more Iron in the Jasper. One of my geological references termed it a "dirty Quartz", I like to think of them as crystallized Earth.
Jaspers are found all over Mother Earth, in a stunning variety of colors and multicolor. All gemstones in this family are form in massive chunks. Most develop close to the surface under cooler temperatures (which is why the crystals are so compact) and much lower pressures. Some form as hydrothermal replacements (hot water interacting with local minerals) others as sediment crystallized over the millions of years it took Earth to reach this current state.
The name Jasper comes to us from the Greek language. Jaspis or the ancient spelling Iaspis was the name of a mythical stone found in the head of the adder snake.
Early shamans from both European and the North American First Nations viewed the Jasper was a very sacred stone. Blue colored Jaspers were used to travel safely back and forth to the Spirit World. Red Jasper represented the blood of the Great Mother and was used to connect with the Earth in healing ceremonies. Greek warriors carried one to give them courage in battle.
Green Jaspers were used to call the rain (though I've had great success using the Brecciated variety for this purpose). Early christians also used the Heliotrope (green Jasper with red, yellow and blue colorings, aka Bloodstone) for carving crucifixes and martyr scenes. There is a legend that the red spots formed when the blood of Jesus dripped on the the plain green stone beneath his crucifix. In some texts it is referred to as the Martyr's stone.
An Egyptian king named Nechepsus had a Dragon carved onto a green Jasper then set in a ring to help with his infamous digestive problems. It is also one of the stones in Aaron's high priest breastplate.
Damigeron and other authors during the 11th and 12th centuries wrote volumes about the protective powers of the Jasper. It was written that the gemstone could drive away evil spirits and protect the wearer from the bites of poisonous snakes and spiders. Texts recommended placing the stone over the bite and it would draw the poison out of the wound. The porous quality of some Jaspers would make them slightly absorbent which would give them the ability to draw in some liquids (like venom).
Even if you don't have to worry about snake or spider bites, you will find Jasper makes a marvelous companion. Its Quartz energies will allow you to use your Jasper in an infinite number of ways.
You can utilize its rainbow spectrum of colors to help improve the flow of energy through your different Chakra. You'll can easily find the right hued Jasper to correspond with each Chakra. It also is a great gemstone to use in combination with other crystals.
The microcrystalline structure can serve as a mini-charger, much like a large Quartz cluster can charge stones. It assists other stones in fulfilling their intentions by sharing its strong vibrations.
If you find yourself in many dangerous situations (driving the back roads of the Ozark hills can be quite dangerous - no one seems to understand what that center yellow line is for), this is an important stone for you. It will improve your insight to help you keep out of trouble. When trouble is unavoidable, it will increase courage and heighten senses so that you can think and react quickly and correctly.
Is your work environment unhealthy, either mentally or physically? If you are surrounded by negative co-workers, or those political types that are always trying to thwart your efforts, place a Jasper on your desk. It will protect you from the harmful intentions of others, plus keep you from reacting in ways that will ultimately do you harm (like trying to take revenge).
Green and Red Jaspers are especially helpful in toxic work environments. Their absorbent quality will help draw toxins away from you. Plus they will make you smarter, aiding in preventing accidents and being able to act intelligently when things do go awry.
Social workers, counselors and other who provide guidance will find this an excellent companion. It aids in building nurturing energies, giving your knowledge, strength and insight in helping others to break restraints and habits that are holding them back. It can make you a "bringer of joy".
If you are preparing to become a mother soon, the Jasper is believed to protect both the mother and the child during labor. It should also relieve some of the pain associated with labor.
A Jasper can help you keep your energy up during long illnesses or stays in the hospital. Those practicing fasting may also take advantage of this stone's energy boosts.
Other health benefits include rejuvenating worn or deteriorating organs like the kidneys, bladder, spleen, liver and stomach. It also calms and relaxes, providing a healthy release of stress (which can cause much physical damage). Jaspers will also balance your body's essential minerals like iron, zinc and manganese.
This information was taken from ORE Features, a publication written by Stephanie Pflumm, reprinted with permission.
The next article written by Stephanie Pflumm examines the different types of jasper.
ORE'S FEATURED GEMSTONE: Individual Jasper Gemstones
by Stephanie Pflumm
This has easily been the most difficult article to research that I've taken on in a while. There are dozens of different Jaspers, many of the different names refer to the same stones, and some Jaspers aren't even Jaspers at all. Geeeesssshh. Anyway, here are my best efforts to categorize and gather information on the various different types of individual Jaspers.
The energies and qualities described in last month's article on Jasper can be attributed to all of the different Jasper brothers and sisters (including ones I have failed to mention). Plus I've included some specific traits for the individual gemstones I did list.
Bloodstone or Heliotrope
Most don't associate this green gemstone speckled with red, yellow and blue colors with the Jasper family. Though it is probably the most famous of all the Jasper siblings. It's ancient name, Heliotrope comes from the influence the stone is believed to have on the Sun. At one time the stone was thought to cause the Sun to turn red and bring Thunder and Lightening. It will also provide protection to your garden and home from the effects of storms. There is an in-depth article on Bloodstone in the ORE FEATURES archives.
Brecciated Jasper
There are actually sub-categories of this sub-category of Jaspers. Brecciated refers to Jaspers that have been broken up and reformed. One of the most beautiful and sought after of the Brecciated Jaspers is the Morgan Hill Poppy Jasper. This unusual Jasper is found in the region around Morgan Hill in California (There are also Morgan Hill Flower Agates). When this gemstone was broken apart and reformed, it rebuilt itself in circular patterns of yellow, tan, black and white, surrounded by red. The result is the appearance of a "poppy" like pattern all over the stone. The circle patterns in this gemstone can be used to create an energy clearing vortex that will break through blockages in the Chakra and nervous system. It can also promote contentment and a positive attitude. Two references mentioned Silex as another name (though rarely used) for Poppy Jasper.
Dalmatian Jasper
Found in Mexico this ivory white gemstone is speckled with black and greenish black dots, resembling the coat of a Dalmatian dog. Sometimes called Spotted Jasper this stone is highly recommended for veterinarians and those that work with healing animals. Most animals visiting their vet or in traumatic situations are usually panicked and difficult to assist. The Dalmatian Jasper will calm the animals, reassuring them that they are safe and with a human that is trying to help, not hurt. You can use this Jasper to cleanse your aura and rid yourself of energies that are interfering with your spiritual growth. It also helps us to remember that even the least of us can make a difference.
Flower Jasper (aka Fancy Jasper)
Flower or Fancy Jaspers display a beautiful dance of colors swirling with purple, yellow, lavender, pink, green, gray, cream and burgundy. Probably my third favorite Jasper, mostly because its colorful dance always makes me smile. (Red Jasper is #1, Mook Jasper is #2). India is home to this rainbow gemstone. Various references recommend the Flower Jasper for lifting your spirits, soothing a broken heart, activating the Heart Chakra and breaking out of depression.
Ivory Jasper Another Mexican Jasper (Mexico is full of unique and incredible chalcedonies), this dark tan stone is decorated with black lines criss-crossing its surface. You can utilize the Ivory Jasper as an anchor during astral travel, or for meditating on the outcomes of various choices.
Leopardskin Jasper
This is one of those confusing Jaspers. Some of my references categorize this stone as a Jasper, others call it a Rhyolite (there are only a few, but distinct differences in these two gem families). One book says it is available world-wide, another says it is only available in South America. Many don't even make a reference to Leopardskin Jasper at all. But, I do know there is a gemstone that could easily be either a Jasper or a Rhyolite that is mottled with red, yellow, brown and pinkish spots like a Leopard's skin. I was told by my vendor that they are Leopardskin Jasper. I have never had anyone claim that they are not. It is a wonderful companion stone for working on bringing things into your life that you want. It will also assist you in finding the people and tools you need for physical healing.
Mook Jasper
This gorgeous gemstone comes in a swirl of colors including pinks, yellows, browns and reds. It is named after Mooka Station where it is found near the Gascoyne River in Australia. This is a very joyful and playful Jasper to carry around. It's pattern of colors can be useful in eliminating unproductive patterns from your life.
Mozarkite
A beautiful Jasper found in my neck of the woods (Southwest Missouri) that is one of the Brecciated Jaspers. The wonderful array of colors comes from two different stones that came together. Rhodonite mixed in with the broken Quartz as these gemstones reformed coloring the gemstone pink, red, brown, blue and gray. Another Jasper that brings joy and can also be used to align all seven Chakra.
Ocean Jasper/Orbicular Jasper (Rainforest Jasper?)
Three names referring to the same gemstone? I still cannot decide. I am very close to positive that Ocean Jasper and Orbicular Jasper are the same stone - but my blonde brain is still trying to decide if Rainforest Jasper is a totally separate stone (and possibly family). So you will find a separate installment on the Rainforest stone.
Ocean Jasper was formed near the coast of Madagascar. The tiny island where the stone is found can only be worked at low tide, the rest of the time the deposit is below the water's surface. The green, sometimes white gemstone is covered with eyelets and orbs of red, yellow and sometimes blue. Ocean Jasper teaches us responsibility and patience. It can also aid in regulating your breathing for meditation.
Owyhee Jasper
From Oregon, this is a banded Jasper with stripes of green and brown. Only found one reference for this gemstone, and I never personally seen a specimen. Would love to hear any stories or information you might have on this stone.
Picasso Jasper While this Jasper lacks the bright colors often found in this gemstone family, Picasso Jaspers are unique and intriguing in their own way. Colors tend to be dull grays and browns, with streaks that range from yellow to orange playing across the gemstone's surface. The resulting patterns are as dramatic as any of the paintings created by the artist this Jasper is named for. Pablo Picasso. Use this stone to awaken your own artist spirit or create some positive drama in your life.
Picture Jasper
Mud rich with silicate (Quartz) that oozed and dripped into pockets of gas formed by molten lava; overheated from the exposure then almost instantly turned solid. So, it makes perfect sense to look at the patterns in this gemstone and see landscapes and pictures. It is petrified mud. Picture Jasper is found in Idaho and Oregon. Some highly prized specimens are found near Biggs Oregon (Biggs Blue). You can use this earthy gemstone to bring success to your business, uncover hidden messages in your environment and to better understanding Primal Earth.
Rainforest Jasper (Rhyolite?)
Rhyolites are closer to Obsidian than Jasper (cooled very quickly, before crystals had a chance to grow), and the vast majority of references called the Rainforest Jasper a Rhyolite (and yes they did call it "Jasper"). Its colors and markings are extremely close to Ocean Jasper. Greens with stripes, orbs and distinct markings in red, yellow, white and blue. Side by side, I think there is enough difference that a trained eye would be able to distinguish them. Rainforest Jaspers allow you to open communication with loved ones who have crossed over. If you procrastinate, use it to move forward on your projects.
Red Jasper
The most common member of the Jasper family, it can be found almost anywhere. It is a stone rich with Mother Earth's energy and one of my favorites to work with. Many of the First Nations believed the Red Jasper was Mother Earth's own blood and very sacred. This Mother Jasper can be used toward any intention a Jasper is recommended for.
Zebra Jasper
All my searching and reading only produced a couple of pictures of this Jasper gemstone. I have had some Zebra Jaspers, but they always find new homes rather quickly. The stone is black with white jagged stripes, very much like a Zebra. It is very helpful with balancing energy, work and play, and allowing you to see both sides of a situation.
Here are a few Jaspers that I found on lists, but have never seen specimens of, nor find any reliable information on them from more than one source:
Bat Cave Jasper
Bruneau Jasper
Maltic Jasper
Maple Leaf Jasper
Rainbow Jasper
Silverleaf Jasper
Sunset Lavender Jasper
This information was taken from ORE Features, a publication written by Stephanie Pflumm, reprinted with permission.
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