JASPER

Victorian era antique Scottish agate brooch set with orange jasper, moss agate, banded agate, and bloodstone in a hand chased sterling silver frame
Jasper, bloodstone and blue lace agate are set in this Victorian Era Scottish brooch
Variety:  Jasper
Species:  Chalcedony
​​Mohs Hardness:  7.0 out of 10
Color:  Jasper is a general term for opaque chalcedony of any color, or combination of colors, except black or specially-named material
RI:  1.535 to 1.539 (1.53 to 1.54 spot reading)
Birefringence:  Not detectable
SR/DR/AGG:  AGG
Spectrum:  Not diagnostic
Fluorescence:  Generally inert
SG:  2.60 (+0.10/-0.05)

Jasper Facts

Leopardskin jasper is bezel set in this vintage Mexican sterling silver bracelet
Leopardskin jasper

Jasper occurs in many different colors, and is a general term that describes opaque chalcedony besides black (onyx) and other specially-named material.

Jasper commonly occurs in red, yellow, brown, or green, and rarely blue.

Leopardskin jasper is a term given to jasper with blotchy, leopard print-style patterning.

Picture jasper is a term given to jasper that naturally resembles artistic imagery, such as landscapes.

Jasper Gallery


All photos courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CMA (NAJA)