Jasper - The Balancing Gemstone

Jasper is a semiprecious gemstone belonging to the Quartz family.It is one of the oldest known gemstones. This stone is mentioned in the Holy Bible several times. This gem is seen in many varieties and in a wide range of colors including red, green, yellow, black and brown. It often contains organic material and mineral oxides which give it interesting patterns, bands and colors. There are several popular varieties of Jasper with fancy names like the leopard skin, poppy, fancy, Dalmatian, rainbow, orbicular, royal plume, Ocean jasper etc. This is an ornamental gemstone and is used to make fancy jewelry. Jasper is found in many countries. It is sometimes used to create bowls, carvings and other objects and to adorn buildings. One such example is that of Saint Wenceslas Chapel in Prague. Jasper is one of the gemstones that used in commesso, a technique of fashioning pictures with semiprecious stones. The Black Jasper gemstone earlier was used as a touchstone used to test gold content. The name of this stone seems to have derived from the Greek word iaspis.

Jasper is one of the birth stones listed for the Sun Sign of Virgo. It is also the Mystical birthstone for the month of October. Jasper was known as the great "rain-bringer" in the fourth century. It is also believed to cure gynecological problems and problems related to the stomach. Jasper is a strong securing and emotionally calming gemstone. It is a stability gemstone and helps to relieve stress. It is a powerful protection against things that are not good for you and helps balance vibrations of the body. This stone is found worldwide and used in healing as it absorbs negative energy and cleans and aligns the chakras. Jasper is widely found in Germany, India, France, Russia, Egypt, Libya and the U.S. Jasper jewelry is better cleaned with a soft dry cloth.