Jasper: meaning, origins and properties

Jasper is a natural stone found in abundance throughout the world. Highly prized in jewelry for centuries, this fine stone comes in a wide range of colors, making it ideal for a multitude of DIY designs.

Find all our components for jasper stone jewelry and be inspired by our tutorials to create stunning natural stone jewelry.

What is the significance of jasper stone?

The name jasper comes from the Greek iaspis and the Latin jaspidem, meaning "speckled stone". Another hypothesis is that this gemstone takes its name from the Hebrew yashepheh, meaning "agate".

The origin of jasper

This gemstone was already known in prehistoric times, when it was mined to make tools such as archer's drills for lighting fires.
As early as antiquity, it was considered a stone of protection. The Egyptians made red jasper amulets in the shape of a scarab beetle, symbolizing eternal life, or in the shape of a snake's head to protect against snakebite. The Greeks and Romans made religious ornaments in homage to their gods. Amerindians used it to make amulets 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 referred to in Norse legends, where it is said that the pommel of dragon-slayer Siegfried's sword was inlaid with red jasper to symbolize the blood of this mythical animal.

What are the properties of jasper?

Jasper 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, composed essentially of silica.

What color is jasper?

Jasper is a stone of many colors and shades, from blue to green, yellow, brown, red, beige, pink and black. Geometric lines, speckled patterns, flecks, clouds or welts can be seen.

What are the different types of jasper?

There are many varieties of jasper, characterized by their unique color. On our site, you'll find the following stones:

• Red jasper: This is the best-known variety of jasper. It owes its name to its red color, ranging from light to dark red, with white, yellow or black veins.
• Picasso jasper: 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 famous painter's paintings.
• Landscape jasper: This natural stone is distinguished from the others by its brown color, which may feature streaks or patterns in different shades. Some see patterns resembling mountains, forests, rivers or deserts. Hence the name!
• Dalmatian jasper: This fine stone is characterized by a cream or beige color, flecked with black or brown, reminiscent of the Dalmatian dog's coat.
• Silver leaf jasper: Silver-gray and white, with flecks of black, red and brown.
• Poppy jasper: Its bright orange-red color with black spots is reminiscent of a poppy.
• Wood jasper: Also known as "elephant skin", this natural stone is brown in color, with darker inclusions reminiscent 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 known as leopardite. Its colors range from white to orange, with spots reminiscent of leopard skin.
• Mokaïte 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, from cream to brown, yellow, purple and red.
• Kambaba Jasper: Its color is composed of shades of green and khaki with brown and black spots, reminiscent of crocodile scales. This explains its nickname, Crocodile Jasper.

Where is jasper found?

This fine stone, formerly known as "semi-precious stone", is found in abundance throughout the world. But the main deposits are in Germany, Brazil, Mexico, Africa, Peru, the USA, France, Namibia, India, Madagascar and the Ural Mountains in Russia.

What are the virtues of jasper stone?

In lithotherapy, jasper is considered a stone with great potential, notably for balancing pain, developing self-esteem, creativity and communication. Its virtues vary according to the color of the jasper.
Red jasper is linked to the 1st chakra, known as the root chakra. It repels harmful influences.
Landscape jasper is ideal for meditation.
Mookaïte jasper is said to act on the 3rd chakra (solar plexus chakra), promoting positive energy, courage and self-confidence. But it also acts on the root chakra and sacral chakra to balance energies.

Please note: our gemstones are not sold for lithotherapy. Natural stones are no substitute for medical expertise or treatment.

How do I recharge jasper?

Like all lithotherapy stones, jasper accumulates negative energies. Lithotherapists therefore recommend regular cleansing and recharging.
When your stone is not set in jewelry, you can clean 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 to wear jasper

As this stone covers an infinite number of colors, you'll be spoilt for choice. Depending on your taste, choose stainless steel, 925 Sterling Silver, 3-micron gold-plated or 14K Gold Filled.

Which stone to match jasper with? Lithotherapy suggests that different jasper stones should be combined. In DIY jewelry, you can also combine it with Labradorite, Tiger's Eye, Agate, Obsidian, Black Onyx, Quartz, Hematite, Rock Crystal, Citrine and Chrysoprase. Also consider Rubellite, Pietersite, Aventurine, Garnet, Bronzite, Lava Stone, Pyrite, Black Tourmaline or Rhodonite.
On the other hand, red jasper should not be associated with lapis lazuli.