jas·per | ˈja-spər
noun
An opaque, impure, Polycrystalline variety of Quartz that may be red, yellow, or brown
Jasper is a type of quartz that appears naturally in red, yellow or brown, and very rarely may appear in blue. The most common color is red due to the high concentration of iron inclusions, and the material often breaks with a smooth surface that can be polished similar to marble, making it a popular material for fine surfaces and gemstone use. There are several variations of Jasper, including fancy Jasper, red Jasper, poppy Jasper, striped or banded Jasper. Because of its gravity and how highly polished it can be, it has been used historically for seals, vases, and other small ornamental objects. It was once believed to have curative powers and has been highly valued for centuries.
