DigMyGem Gem encyclopedia

Blue Jasper

Quartz & Crystal Family

Blue jasper is a color description for rare blue material within jasper, not a distinct mineral species. Jasper is an opaque rock made chiefly of microgranular quartz or cryptocrystalline chalcedony, with other minerals supplying its colors and patterns.

Identity

Material or variety
Jasper (opaque microcrystalline quartz)
Scientific or material identity
Jasper (opaque microcrystalline quartz)
Classification
Rock or mixed mineral material
Composition or formula
SiO₂ with mineral inclusions
Crystal system or structure
Aggregate or composite structure
Geological or manufacturing origin
Can form in more than one geological environment, or combines several materials.
Mohs hardness
6.5 to 7
Specific gravity
2.58 to 2.91

Origins

Bashkortostan, Russia

Appearance & optical properties

opaque slate-blue jasper with muted pale veins.

History & discovery

Jasper names can be traced through Arabic, Persian, Hebrew, Assyrian, Greek and Latin. It was valued in antiquity; Minoan craftspeople on Crete carved jasper seals around 1800 BCE, although ancient uses of the name covered a wider range of stones than the modern definition.

Uses & care

Common uses
Jasper takes a high polish and is fashioned into cabochons, seals, beads, vases and other ornamental objects.
Handling and cleaning
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Store away from harder gems and avoid sharp impacts or abrasive cleaners that can dull the polish.

Jewellery

5 pieces of Blue Jasper jewellery. Learners earn each one in DigMyGem by learning words; until then it shows as a silhouette.

  • Silhouette of Deepwater Pendant

    Deepwater Pendant

    Pendant

    An imagined pendant set with a smooth blue stone, shaped like a falling drop. Natural blue jasper is rare and prized for its even colour.

  • Silhouette of Storm Sea Brooch

    Storm Sea Brooch

    Brooch

    An imagined brooch that curls around its stone like a wave. The blue cabochon is left open and unbroken.

  • Silhouette of Blue Depths Ring

    Blue Depths Ring

    Ring

    An imagined ring built around one calm blue dome. Jasper is tough enough for everyday wear.

  • Silhouette of Abyssal Shield Pendant

    Abyssal Shield Pendant

    Pendant

    An imagined pendant of a shield-shaped blue jasper, its deep navy stone veined with grey like a stormy sea, held in a silver rope frame.

  • Silhouette of Deep Sea Tiara

    Deep Sea Tiara

    Tiara

    An imagined silver tiara of curling waves set with blue jasper, the colour of deep water under a storm.

Sources