What on Earth Is Picture Jasper?

Picture jasper is a type of jasper (a silica rock) with tan, brown, orange and grey bands that look like a miniature desert landscape. In crystal lore it is the "earth record" stone, linked with the history of the land and with a grounded, steady feeling. Here is what it is made of, how it has been used since ancient times, and what it stands for in tradition.

The Physical Properties of Picture Jasper

A type of chalcedony, picture jasper is formed in nature through the hydrothermal process. In terms of composition, geologists call it chert’ or a hard and opaque rock made of silica. Historians classify it as flint, a hard gray rock consisting of chert.

Out of all the varieties of jasper, picture jasper is perhaps the most eye-catching variety. Its tan, reddish brown, orange, and gray colours perfectly arrange themselves on the stone like a landscape painting, depicting a vast expanse of sand dunes basking in the warm sun. These colours are caused by its high iron content as well as its other mineral inclusions.

The stone is rated 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means it's tough and durable enough for cutting and polishing applications that involve abrasion and impact. It is often fashioned into beads and cabochons.

The History of Picture Jasper

The name jasper is derived from the Greek word iaspi which means spotted stone. Picture jasper has been used in ancient times as a material for dishes, vases, and weapons. In some cultures, the stone is considered a symbol of power, abundance, and status. Ancient Egyptians used jasper as a jewelry material while the Minoans used jasper to make seals.

The Lore of Picture Jasper

Since the olden times, brown and green jaspers have been called the rain bringer. It was used to summon the wind and rain to save harvests during the drought season. Jasper was also used to protect ships from harsh storms.

It is used throughout history as an amulet against evil spirits and witchcraft. Some people wore it on the chest as a protective charm.

Red jasper was used by the American Indians to search the land for water. They believed that the red stone helped heighten the searcher's sensitivity to the elements of the earth.

The stone also has uses in divination. In divination lore, picture jasper is linked with visions and dream interpretation, while black jasper is a traditional scrying stone. Browse all our tumbled jasper.

The Metaphysical Properties of Picture Jasper

In the chakra tradition, picture jasper is associated with the base or root chakra, pictured at the base of the spine, which stands for stability and grounding.

In the tradition, a root chakra that is 'out of balance' is pictured as restlessness and feeling disconnected from the present moment.

People who feel that way often like to wear a picture jasper bracelet or hold a polished jasper while they sit quietly, as a symbol of stability and security.

Picture jasper is also linked with the third eye chakra, the tradition's centre of perception and awareness.

In the tradition, a balanced third eye chakra stands for openness to new ideas, visions and dreams.

In the world of feng shui, brown picture jasper is said to carry wood energy, which feng shui attributes to growth, abundance, expansion, nourishment and new beginnings.

As such, you can display it in your dining room, in the room of an infant or toddler, or that place in your home where you're working on a new project or business.

Wood energy relates to the east and southeast of a building. These areas are associated with family, as well as abundance and prosperity.