Different jaspers are credited with different metaphysical properties, and ocean jasper is no exception. This rare and lovely material was only introduced to the gemological world in the year 2000. After decades of searching, it was discovered in 1998 in Marovato, a remote village on the northwestern coast of Madagascar. This intriguing jasper can only be reached by boat, and it can only be mined at low tide. Although similar material was recently found in Hawaii, much of the ocean jasper on the market today is from Marovato, Madagascar. Ocean jasper, also called orbicular jasper, is quite colorful and unusual. The colors can be white, beige, grey, green, pink, yellow, orange, red, and blue. No two beads are alike in this unique gem that nature crafted out of volcanic lava. Even though it was recently discovered, ocean jasper has been credited with protective and healing properties. It is believed to enhance communication, promote harmony and cooperation, increase patience, and teach responsibility. Ocean jasper is said to calm and sooth emotions. It brings buried feelings to the surface and allows us to deal with these emotions in a nurturing way. Ocean jasper is associated with the Zodiac sign of Capricorn.
The following article about ocean jasper was written by Stephanie Pflumm.
Ocean Jasper keeps its secrets close. Born from the ancient lava flows of an unknown geological event, this enchanting gem hid itself for millennia below the Ocean's tide. Even its journey to reveal itself moves slowly and the crystal's entire story is yet to be told.
The written tale begins in 1922 when the first published accounts of an unusual jasper like material of unknown origins start to appear in various journals. In 1955 a specimen of this mysterious beauty is brought to the Museum of Sciences in Paris. The dealer that presents the piece explains that it was purchased from a prospector in Madagascar, but can not give a precise location. Madagascar is not a small island; 1,000 kilometers long and 300 wide.
Paul Obeniche is a very young Frenchman studying at the museum. When the entrancing stone is presented, he is already planning a trip to Madagascar. Struck by the coincidence and the captivating beauty of the Ocean Jasper, Obeniche vows to find the source of the new gemstone.
Despite failing in his early attempts to locate the source of Ocean Jasper, Obeniche will spend the next four decades in an unrelenting search for his mythical muse. A photograph of the crystal is published in the 1977 edition of Grund's Mineral Encyclopedia. The caption reads "Unknown". Even with the extra publicity the morphed Rhyolite will not rush its debut.
In 1998 Obeniche begins planning his final expedition to locate his elusive Ocean Jasper. He is over 70 years old. Knowing the locals have been collecting the colorful gem in tidal pools, he plots a systematic search of the island's Northwestern shore. Over 45 days his team plans to examine every village, outpost and inch of coastline to find the stone.
On the 21st day their boat is nearing the tiny, remote fishing village of Marovato as the tide is going out. Marovato sits on the Ambolobozo Peninsula of Madagascar. There are no roads, you can only reach the village by boat. On that day, everything is finally in the right order at the right time for Paul Obeniche to discover the birthplace of his beloved Ocean Jasper.
The not so young Frenchman introduces his exotic beauty to the world at the 2000 Tucson Gem and Mineral show. Ocean Jasper is an immediate success, though it continues to keep much of its history and nature secret.
Despite its shyness, Ocean Jasper does share some of its story. In the beginning the stone was a Rhyolite. Rhyolites form from liquid magma or lava that cools quickly. They range from feather light Lava Rocks to rock hard Obsidians. Madagascar guards its geological history jealously (recent findings conclude the island may have Gold and Diamond reserves), so the source of Ocean Jasper's lava flow is unknown.
Geologists know that over hundreds of millions of years the Rhyolite is slowly, quietly replaced by Silica (Quartz). Essentially becoming petrified, if a rock can be petrified. However, they can only speculate as to what inspires the enchanting swirls, bubbles, sprays, orbs and bursts of white and green crystals that make Ocean Jasper so beloved.
Perhaps the flow of lava buried a primal Coral bed that is petrified (replaced with Silica) along with the Rhyolite. Though some orbs reveal Feldspar and Quartz growing needle thin crystals in a radiating pattern. We will have to watch to see if Ocean Jasper will tell us more of its story.
The original Orbicular Ocean Jasper comes from Madagascar. A variety of Rhyolite Jasper with similar colors and markings has recently been found in Hawaii. Little of this material is available yet, the majority of gems on the market today comes from Marovato Madagascar.
Colors in this unique gem are without equal. One specimen can be yellow, green, pink, white, blue or red, at the same time. Occasionally there are white druzy areas that seem to resemble the ocean's spray. Green crystalline druzes also form amongst the swirls, orbs and waves in the Ocean Jasper.
Locals in Marovato named their gemstone Snake Agate. Magical or romantic names like Moon Jewel Stone, Snake Agate, Atlantis Stone and Kabamba Jasper have also been attached to the orbicular Ocean Jasper.
Ocean Jasper is probably the youngest crystal that I have ever studied. Its short history has not held it back from gaining a reputation as a powerful healing and creative tool. You may discover your own unique uses for this entrancing beauty.
Meditating with your Ocean Jasper will reveal hidden truths, allow you to see what is to be discovered if you just look below the surface. It can provide an anchor during astral travels and assist you in bringing back the knowledge you gather during your explorations.
Lovers can use the gemstone to enhance their communications. Discussing difficult issues without hurting feelings is a challenge in any relationship. When it is time to cover sensitive topics with your partner, use an Ocean Jasper as your talking stone (whomever holds the stone gets to talk - make sure you share your talking stone equally). Words that make a positive difference come easier, as will saying "I love you".
This brightly colored Jasper is quite curious, making it an excellent travel companion. It will inspire you to try the road less traveled, arousing your spirit of adventure. Ocean Jasper offers protective energies that can prove valuable while visiting new places. Its Quartz content will sharpen your intuitive skills, keeping you safe from dangerous choices.
If you must perform in any type of team situation, adopt an Ocean Jasper as your mascot. It promotes a harmonious environment while teaching the power of cooperation.
Ocean Jasper seems to be able to clear and balance any of the seven main Chakra, but not all at once. It will cleanse them one at a time as you focus your intent on each Chakra. Healers may get the greatest benefit from the volcanic gemstone. Give one to your patient to hold as they are discussing their symptoms. The stone will help them to communicate more effectively and the healer will also hear the words they are hiding.
Gemstone elixirs from Ocean Jasper may prove beneficial in clearing your body of toxins. Bathing with the crystal will bring deep relaxation to your spirit and your body's aching muscles.
This information was taken from ORE Features, a publication written by Stephanie Pflumm, reprinted with permission.
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