Jasper: meaning, origins and properties

Jasper is a natural stone found in abundance all over the world. Highly prized in jewelry making for centuries, this gemstone comes in a wide range of colors, making it perfect for creating a variety of DIY jewelry pieces.

Check out all our jasper jewelry components and get inspired by our tutorials to create stunning pieces of natural stone jewelry.

What is the meaning of jasper?

The name “jasper” comes from the Greek iaspis and the Latin jaspidem, meaning “speckled stone.” Another theory suggests that this gemstone derives its name from the Hebrew yashepheh, which means “agate.”

The Origin of Jasper

This gemstone was already known in prehistoric times, when it was used to make tools, such as fire-starting drills.
As early as ancient times, it was considered a protective stone. The Egyptians crafted amulets from red jasper in the shape of a scarab—a symbol of eternal life—or in the shape of a serpent’s head to protect against snake bites. The Greeks and Romans crafted religious ornaments in honor of their gods. Meanwhile, Native Americans used it to make amulets believed to protect them from the dangers of the night.
In China, it was used to make the emperor’s seals.
Jasper is even mentioned in the Bible. It is also referenced in Norse legends, which tell that the pommel of Siegfried’s sword—the dragon slayer—was inlaid with red jasper to symbolize the blood of this mythical creature.

What are the properties of jasper?

It belongs to the chalcedony family. Its hardness ranges from 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, and its density is 2.60.
It is a rock of volcanic or sedimentary origin, consisting mainly of silica.

What color is jasper?

Jasper is a stone that comes in many colors with numerous shades, ranging from blue to green, including yellow, brown, red, beige, pink, and black. It often features geometric lines, speckled patterns, spots, clouds, or stripes.

What are the different types of jasper?

There are many varieties of jasper, each characterized by its unique color. On our website, you’ll find the following stones:

• Red Jasper: This variety of jasper is the best known. It gets its name from its red color, ranging from light red to dark red, with white, yellow, or black veins.
• Picasso Jasper: Also known as Picasso Marble, this stone is characterized by its gray hues and streaks or spots of brown, beige, red, black, and sometimes even blue.
  Its name refers to the paintings of the famous artist.
• Landscape Jasper: This natural stone stands out from others due to its brown color, which may feature streaks or patterns in various shades. Some people see patterns in it that resemble mountains, forests, rivers, or deserts. Hence its name!
• Dalmatian Jasper: This semi-precious stone is characterized by a cream or beige color, speckled with black or brown, reminiscent of a Dalmatian’s coat.
• Silver Leaf Jasper: It consists of silvery gray and white, with spots ranging from black to brown to red.
• Poppy Jasper: Its bright red-orange color with black dots is reminiscent of a poppy.
• Wood Jasper: Also known as “elephant skin,” this brown-colored natural stone is dotted with darker inclusions that resemble the appearance of wood.
• Jasper - African Turquoise: Not to be confused with turquoise! While their colors are similar, their characteristics and properties are quite different. African Turquoise is a variety of jasper found in Africa.
• Leopard Jasper: This gemstone is also called leopardite. It features colors ranging from white to orange and spots reminiscent of a leopard’s fur.
• Mookaite Jasper: Its name refers to the region where it was discovered: Mooka Creek in Australia. Hence its other name: Australian jasper! It comes in many colors, ranging from cream to brown, including shades of yellow, purple, and even red.
• Kambaba Jasper: Its color consists of shades of green and khaki with brown and black spots, reminiscent of a crocodile’s scales. This explains its nickname, “crocodile jasper.”

Where is jasper found?

This gemstone, formerly known as a “semi-precious stone,” is found in abundance around the world. However, the main deposits are found in Germany, Brazil, Mexico, Africa, Peru, the United States, France, Namibia, India, Madagascar, and the Ural Mountains in Russia.

What are the properties of jasper?

In crystal healing, jasper is considered a stone with powerful properties, particularly regarding emotional balance, the development of self-esteem, creativity, and communication. Its properties vary depending on the color of the jasper.
Red jasper is associated with the first chakra, known as the root chakra. It is said to ward off negative influences.
Landscape jasper is ideal for meditation.
Mookaite jasper is said to affect the third chakra (solar plexus chakra) and promote positive energy, courage, and self-confidence. It is also said to influence the root chakra and sacral chakra to bring balance to one’s energies.

Please note: our gemstones are not sold for the purpose of crystal healing. Natural stones are in no way a substitute for medical expertise or medical treatment.

How do you recharge jasper?

Like all crystals used in crystal healing, jasper accumulates negative energy. Crystal healers therefore recommend cleaning and recharging it regularly.
If your stone is not set in jewelry, you can cleanse it by leaving it in a container of demineralized water for several hours.
To purify it, simply place the stone in sunlight for a few hours.

How should you wear jasper?

Since this stone comes in an endless variety of colors, you’ll be spoiled for choice. You can pair it just as easily with gold tones as with silver tones. Depending on your taste, choose from stainless steel, 925 Sterling Silver, 3-micron gold-plated, or 14K Gold Filled.

Which stones pair well with jasper? In crystal healing, it’s recommended to combine different types of jasper with one another. In a DIY jewelry piece, you can also pair it with labradorite, tiger’s eye, agate, obsidian, black onyx, quartz, hematite, rock crystal, citrine, or chrysoprase. Also consider rubellite, pietersite, aventurine, garnet, bronzite, lava stone, pyrite, black tourmaline, or rhodonite.
However, it is recommended not to pair red jasper with lapis lazuli.