Jasper is an ornamental stone which is found all around the world in North America, South America, Asia, and Europe. It comes in an array of beautiful colors and is applied to jewelry or used for decorative purposes. The stone is especially attractive because of the vibrant colors and diverse spotted, swirled, and linear patterns which naturally develop in it.
1. The Physical Properties of Jasper **
On the Mohs scale, Jasper comes to 6.5 - 7 in the level of hardness. It is microcrystalline of the quartz stone or chalcedony. It usually is in red, yellow, brown, or green colors. The Jasper stone is rarely found in blue tones. Its crystal system is Hexagonal, and its transparency is Opaque.
2. The History of Jasper **
Its name derives from the French word jaspre which means speckled or spotted. Others believe its name derives from the Greek wordiasp is which are said to be from the Hebrew word yashpeh. It means to polish because Jade is a lustrous stone. It was traditionally used in the making of vases, pillars, and mantle pieces.
This stone was used in Minoan times around 1800 BC in Greece for making seals, as archeological sites had found evidence of this in Knossos. In Neolithic times, in Pakistan, Jasper was used to making bow drills or fire drills.
3. The Lore of Jasper **
Cited throughout different country's literature, Jasper has been in Hebrew and Assyrian works to name a couple. The stone has been used in healing rituals over the years by different cultures to aid in the healing of the stomach, gallbladder, and kidneys. Native Americans use this stone to call upon rain during a dry season. It was the 12th stone in the breastplate of Aaron, as mentioned in the Bible. It was thought to have been a rare green variety of Jasper.
4. The Metaphysical Properties Jasper **
This stone is used for strength courage and resolve; it can help when you are feeling weak or powerless. It is excellent for moments in life when you are trying to overcome an obstacle.
Also, this stone may help to sever ties to things and people that are no longer serving you in your life. Imagining that you break the connection to this thing, activity or person will help to end the relationship and your connection.
It is also known as a justice stone, and is good to have around during legal matters and when trying to resolve a legal conflict. It can help you during times of decision making. Hold the Red Jasper to help you think of a good outcome for all those involved. It is believed to enhance the sexual experience and to extend the pleasure.
Red Jasper
This grounding and nurturing stone are in many parts of the earth. It is associated with safety, security and diminishes anxiety. Some people use this stone to disperse their worries by talking to it, speaking out the concerns that are burdening, and then leaving the stone outside overnight.
