Jasper is a mineral or precious stone that is part of the different types of quartz in the microcrystalline or chalcedonic variety of this stone. It is quite popular among gemstones because it is so abundant in the earth’s crust and because it can be put to many uses.
In addition, due to its origin, many people believe that it has various esoteric and energetic properties that make it very interesting.
In this article you will learn all the characteristics and properties that this mineral has.
Jasper Characteristics
| Jasper | Physical and chemical properties |
|---|---|
| CLUSTER | Silicates – tectosilicates |
| COMPOSITION | YesOtwo |
| COLOR | Red, yellow, brown, green, black, blue and many others |
| CRYSTALLINE SYSTEM | hexagonal / trigonal |
| CRYSTAL HABIT | cryptocrystalline |
| HARDNESS | 7 |
| FRACTURE | conchoidal |
| EXFOLIATION | Null, does not present |
| BRIGHTNESS | Vitreous |
| STRIPE | White |
| TRANSPARENCY | Opaque |
| SPECIFIC WEIGHT | 2.7 |
- The jasper It is a variety of chalcedony quartz, that is to say, of the microcrystalline type.
- Like quartz and agate, the jasper belongs to the group of silicates, specifically to tectosilicates
- Its chemical composition is practically similar to quartz crystal, that is, completely made of silica (SiO2).
- Its hardness on the Mohs scale is in the range of 6.5 to 7.
- Its density or specific weight is very similar to the average that exists in the earth’s crust, that is, it varies in the range of 2.6 to 2.7 grams per cubic centimeter.
- The colors in which the jasper stone is presented can vary between red, yellow, green, black, brown and many more, however the most common is red jasper.
- The jasper fracture is irregular and conchoidal similar to breaking thick glass.
- Unlike agate, which is usually translucent, jasper is an opaque mineral, that is, it does not allow light to pass through it.
How is the jasper stone formed?
The jasper It is associated with hydrothermal and volcanic activity of acidic composition, which is why it is often found in hydrothermal veins or veins around volcanic rocks and active volcanoes.
It is usually found almost always filling spaces in volcanic or igneous rocks.
In this case, the microcrystalline quartz or chalcedony that comes from hydrothermal fluids is deposited in the rock spaces and forms the various types of jaspers.
Generally these fluids tend to be enriched in iron, the greater the amount of iron the jasper will be darker while an intermediate amount of iron will give it a striking red color.
Types of jasper stone
- Blue Jasper
- Sardinian Jasper
- Gray Jasper
- Red Jasper
Jasper stone meaning
The name of this stone comes from jaspis, which means stained stone, however, because the red color is the most common among jaspers, it is generally associated with vitality, love, attraction, strength, and courage, therefore which can be a great detail for people who like this color.
Jasper Properties
Although the energetic and esoteric properties of this stone are best intensified according to its color or type of jasper, it is generally associated with the following.
Strength and vitality
It is associated with the strength and vitality that it can bring to the body, due to its hardness and its enigmatic red colors, what does this mean?
Protection
Also, many people who believe in its energetic powers say that this stone works as a protector from negative energies that come from other people, so it is how to use it as a bracelet or some type of carved pendant and earrings.
Jasper deposits
Despite the fact that it is a very common mineral and that I easily closed my account in the earth’s crust, not all types of jasper meet the characteristics to be extracted or exploited from their place of origin, that is, only the most beautiful are those that are extracted
These major deposits are generally found in India, Russia, Indonesia, Egypt, Madagascar, Brazil, and Venezuela.
Uses of jasper stone
like theobsidian, the jasper It is characterized because it can be carved very easily despite the fact that it is fragile, all because it is made up of microcrystalline quartz.
Therefore, it can be used to create various handicrafts such as pendants, bracelets, earrings and many kinds of body and home decorations.
This means that also depending on the size, colors and shapes that jasper has, it is an excellent ornamental stone and many people put it in their homes to attract those positive properties of which it is presumed to have power.