Ocean Jasper is a rare, orb-patterned jasper from Madagascar, often called Atlantis Stone. In crystal lore, people drawn to it are said to be looking for inspiration and encouragement.
Its sea-inspired colours make it a symbol of freedom and adapting to change. Its swirls and orbs are likened to that of the moon's. This is why the stone is also used for full-moon meditation.
Here is what it is, where it comes from and what it traditionally symbolizes.
The Physical Properties of Ocean Jasper
Ocean Jasper is also known to many as Cellular Jasper, Orbicular Jasper, or Atlantis Stone. It is a rare type of the silicon dioxide mineral Jasper and belongs to the chalcedony group.
Its distinguishing feature are its orbs or circular marks around its body which come in brown, green, yellow, blue, white, red, or pink. Its base is often a chocolate brown, moss green, or a creamy white colour.
Ocean Jasper is made up of silicon dioxide microcrystals. It can be translucent to opaque. In terms of hardness, this stone is rated 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale. And when broken, Ocean Jasper produces a conchoidal fracture.
The History of Ocean Jasper
This orbicular chalcedony has been known for decades. However, it was only properly named and documented in the late 1990s.
Ocean Jasper was first discussed in writing some time in 1922, but its specific whereabouts was unknown. A piece of Ocean Jasper was found and brought to the Museum of Sciences in Paris in 1950. However, this discovery did not come with the knowledge of its exact source other than the fact that it was found in Madagascar.
Then in 1997, mineralogist Paul Obenich went on a 45-day search for Ocean Jasper along the coasts of Madagascar and his quest was rewarded.
Obenich found out that the stone's location is only visible during low tide which made the prior searches for the stone a real challenge. Ocean Jasper is found dormant under the waves. It is only visible when the tide recedes.
In 2000, Obenich brought the Ocean Jasper he discovered to the Tucson Gem Show where the stone stirred the curiosity and interest of gem enthusiasts.
Years after this discovery, the location where Obenich found the stone was reportedly mined out in 2006. The Ocean Jaspers in the market today are sourced solely from Maravato in Madagascar, making the stone extremely rare. It is usually fashioned into tumbled stones (see our jasper tumbled stones), spheres, or beads.
The Lore of Ocean Jasper
Ocean Jasper is considered a travel crystal in folklore, and it is also a stone of protection that sailors and fishers were said to carry for a safe journey.
For ancient Egyptians, jasper was associated with the blood of the goddess Isis, and it appears in their amulets and stories of the goddess.
The Metaphysical Properties of Ocean Jasper
In chakra traditions, Ocean Jasper is associated with the throat, heart and solar plexus chakras, and is a popular stone for people who like a calm, balanced theme in their space.
Looking for a stone for a letting-go ritual? In crystal lore, Ocean Jasper is a symbol of releasing resentment and old baggage, and people often hold it while they journal or reflect.
Here is a simple visualization some people pair with the stone:
- Close your eyes. Picture yourself floating on waves.
- Take long and deep breaths.
- Imagine each wave getting smaller and further apart than the last.
- Once you feel settled, name whatever is on your mind at the moment.
- Keep an open mind, then investigate these feelings with acceptance. Try to recite them aloud if it helps. Repeat these steps until you feel a sense of clarity.
In crystal lore, holding or wearing this stone is a symbol of opening up and understanding one another.
Some people give it as a gift of reconciliation.
Ocean Jasper is also a popular stone of self-love, often kept as a reminder to be kind to yourself.
During meditation, hold an Ocean Jasper stone and cast affirmations to it. To start with, below are some affirmations you can recite:
- I'm happy, joyful, and worthy of love.
- I deserve to love and be loved.
- I love and accept my body and what it does for me.
- I give myself the kindness I give others.
- I wholly accept myself for who I am
Sit quietly with Ocean Jasper whenever you want a moment to yourself.
Sources:
Ocean Jasper: The Ultimate Guide to Meaning, Properties, Uses. (n.d.). Gemstonist. Accessed at https://www.gemstonist.com/ocean-jasper/#Metaphysical_Healing_Properties
Ocean Jasper. (n.d.). Crystal Council. Accessed at https://thecrystalcouncil.com/crystals/ocean-jasper
A Brief History of Ocean Jasper. (2019, May 22). Little Lemuria. Accessed at https://littlelemuria.com/blogs/the-lemurian-trigon/a-brief-history-of-ocean-jasper
Ocean Jasper. (n.d.). Crystal-life.com. Accessed at https://www.crystal-life.com/ocean-jasper/
Ellington, M. [Maile Ellington]. (2011, February 7). Tucson Gem Show 2011 #6 Paul Obenich. [Video]. https://youtu.be/P0N7qrwHUB0
Lindberg, S. (2018, August 31). How to Let Go of Things from the Past. Healthline. Accessed at https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-let-go
Stock this in your shop
Ocean Jasper spheres and tumbled stones are distinctive, rare-feeling pieces for a jasper display; browse the orbicular jasper collection for wholesale stock.
Stonebridge Imports is a Canadian crystal wholesaler with no minimum order, shipping from Kitchener, Ontario. Open a wholesale account.
