Jasper

SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION: Brown Jasper, sometimes called "picture" Jasper because of the beautiful variations in coloring, is a type of Chalcedony. It is closely related to Quartz, with the chemistry of SiO2. The color variations are from trace amounts of other minerals, usually iron and aluminum. The hardness is 7.

ENVIRONMENT: Chalcedony is formed in several environments, generally near the surface of the earth where temperatures and pressures are relatively low. It commonly forms in the zone of alteration of lode and massive hydrothermal replacement deposits and as bodies of chert in chemical sedimentary rocks.

OCCURRENCE: Montana, Utah and Wyoming are prolific locations for Brown Jasper in the U.S. In addition, fine specimens have come from Brazil, Uruguay and Egypt. Other colors and forms of Jasper are abundant in California, Texas and Arkansas.

NAME: The name Chalcedony is from Chalcedon, an ancient Greek city of Asia Minor.

LEGEND and LORE: Beautiful Jasper, with light and dark brown markings was referred to as "Egyptian Marble". Various Native American tribes used Jasper as a rubbing stone and some called it "the rain bringer".

MAGICAL PROPERTIES: Brown Jasper is balancing and grounding. This stone, carved into an arrowhead, is worn to attract luck. It is a good stone to use after completing a ritual to help you regain your center and become grounded.

HEALING: Jasper is stabilizing. It will help to reduce insecurity, fear and guilt.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: I use a piece of Montana Picture Jasper, which is mostly brown and tan with a slight bit of sky and navy blue as a strong grounding stone for those who have an excess of energy at the Splenic Chakra. I've also used the stone as a basis for a "journey"...The stone looks like a scene of the Rocky Mountains. Finally, I've used Picture Jasper as a psychological tool: I will ask someone who is "looking for an answer" to gaze into the stone and describe all the symbols they see. Then I work with the client to form the "symbols" into some sort of answer.

NOTES: Agate, Jasper, Flint, Sardonyx, and onyx are all forms of Chalcedony. In addition, particular colors of Chalcedony have specific names, such as Heliotrope, Bloodstone, Chrysophrase and Moss Agate.

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1. Scientific, Environment, Occurrence and Name are from (or paraphrased from) "The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals".

2. Legends and Lore, Magical Properties are from "Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic", by Scott Cunningham.

3. Some of the healing information may come from "Color and Crystals, A Journey Through the Chakras" by Joy Gardner.

4. Personal Experience is from MY personal experience, journals and notebooks, by Tandika Star.

JASPER: Grounding - gives connection to the earth. A stabilizing stone - it reduces your insecurities, fears, and guilt. Decrystalizes illusions. Used for cancer and other wasting dis-eases. Purifies the blood - helps the anemic. Vitalizes brain tissue, stimulates hormone balance. Excellent stone for healers as it enhances and balances the auric field.

LEOPARD SKIN JASPER: It will enhance your total vibration. Stabilizes the heart and solar plexus areas. Helps stabilize your frustrations. It brings serenity (grey), protection (black), love (pink), mental clarity (yellow), vitality (red), and healing (green).

Compiled by Fern Bouchard

Jasper: A variety of chalcedony. Strengthens liver, gallbladder, bladder. Powerful healer; main impact on physical body. Represents earth element. Works with chakras according to color of stone.

By Legion of Light