Physical Attributes of Jasper

Jasper is one of the main minerals in the chalcedony group. It is a kind of silica with varying impurities of other minerals, which are responsible for the wide variety of colors in jasper. The hardness of jasper is slightly less than pure quartz, at 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, but still durable enough to be widely used in jewelry and as a carving stone, of which its brilliant colors have long been admired throughout history.

The typical colors of jasper range from red, brown, yellow, green, blue, milk white, and basically every shade in between. This includes many diverse patterns and markings which even lead to challenges in classifying and naming them; there are perhaps thousands of varieties of jasper based on their color and patterns. Meanwhile, the dull colored varieties of jasper are called chert.

Jasper is common and found all over the world, with the United States as the main source country of high quality jasper. Other countries include Australia, Czech Republic, Portugal, Germany, and Hungary.

Metaphysical Qualities of Jasper

Mankind has long recognized the qualities of jasper. It is one of the stones mentioned in the Bible quite a few times, and was used in the breastplate of the High Priest. In Native American Indian culture, jasper is often used by the shamans.

Jasper acts as a grounding stone, and is known for being a nurturing stone, thus it is good for growing children. Jasper strengthens the connection to the Earth, balances the chakras, and protects one from negative energy. Jasper reminds one that we are all here for each other, while helping us stand on our own. It’s a great stone for sustenance, and can help when one is fasting by increasing one’s inner energy.

Here are the properties of some common types of jasper:

Leopard Skin Jasper

One of the most popular jasper types, the leopard skin jasper exhibits circular patterns on its surface which often look like the spots on a leopard or jaguar, and comes in a very wide range of colors. These unique patterns sometimes look like native tribal artwork.

It is believed that the leopard skin jasper embodies the spirit of these magnificent cats, and is a lucky stone to have or wear, especially if you have a leopard/jaguar as your animal totem, or simply wish to have better connection with animals. It helps one to be more adaptable to circumstances, and blend in. Leopard skin jasper has been used to increase stamina, vitality, and immunity, while improving the body’s ability to heal itself.

Mookaite Jasper

Mookaite jasper is only found near Mooka Creek, Australia, and is typically a blend of red, yellow, orange, brown and cream. This jasper is beneficial for the root, sacral, and solar plexus chakras, and is a strong grounding stone, helping one to connect with the Earth’s energy. It promotes initiative, adventure, and independence, as well as correct decision-making. The energy of the stone is conducive in promoting self-confidence. Mookaite jasper has been used to strengthen the immune system and slow down aging. It assists with digestion and assimilation, and may be beneficial for the kidneys.

Orbicular Jasper

Sometimes called ocean jasper, this jasper has a wide variety of colors ranging from shades of green, yellow, brown, orange, light sand, and pink, with markings that resemble circular patterns, not very dissimilar to leopard skin jasper. The circular patterns may resemble single cell algae like chlorella algae or barnacles, hence it has a “watery” or “seaside” feel to it.

Orbicular jasper helps one to have a “group think” mindset and cultivates the spirit of responsibility, patience, fairness, and service unto others. Continuity of cycles, and constant rotation are also embodied in this jasper, making it useful for circular breathing exercises during meditation. Physically, it has been used to improve digestion and nutrient absorption, as well as removal of toxins from the body.

Picture Jasper

Perhaps one of the better known types of jasper due to some unique specimens, picture jasper occurs in many different colors and patterns which form a kind of “picture” on its surface. The jasper from Biggs, Oregon, also known as Biggs jasper, is one of the most striking. Sometimes these patterns form landscapes and plants or trees, and you might think these are fake, but they are in fact, real. It occurs in various colors of red, brown, black, blue, and sand.

Picture jasper is a stone of creativity, and it helps promote visualization of scenes in the mind, during meditation. It strengthens the connection with the earth, and helps one to appreciate nature and to live in harmony with it as our ancestors did. Picture jasper also helps in healing emotional problems by bringing them to the surface so that they can be faced and released. It has been used to improve the immune system, and treat skin disorders.

Red Jasper

Red Jasper is one of the more common types of jasper out there, and it comes in a variety of opaque rust red. It would resemble carnelian if not for its more brownish hue. It is very good for the root chakra, and provides for physical protection, endurance, as well as stabilizing the emotions by becoming more grounded. Meditating with red jasper may provide insight on how to rectify unjust situations. It helps in dream recall, especially if there are issues that pertain to this life that surface in the dream.

Red jasper is good for blood circulation, cleansing the blood, and any sort of physical activity. It has been used for helping with childbirth, and enhancing the libido.