What is Jasper?
What exactly is Jasper? The definition of a Jasper is as follows: Jasper is a colloquial term for some varieties of chert which owes its red color to iron inclusions Chert is an impure, massive, flint-like opaque quartz or hornstone, fairly granular, silicate rock with a dull shiny luster and a great range of colors. When a chert stone is struck against steel, sparks result and throughout history it has therefore been used as an excellent tool for starting fires Jasper is defined as a variety of quartz Quartz goes by an array of different names including Agate, Onyx, Aventurine, Tiger's eye, Amethyst, Citrine, Prasiolite, Rose quartz, Bloodstones, Milk quartz, Smoky quartz and Carnelian
The Colors of Jasper
Jasper come in a wide range of natural colors and shades of red, yellow or brown. When the colors are in stripes or bands, it is called striped or banded jasper. Color is mainly caused by the gemstone's selective absorption of certain wavelengths of light called the body color. |
