Jasper is a form of opaque, usually patterned, chalcedony which is found in massive formations. The mineral is usually stained by impurities and occurs in various colors such as red, green, yellow and blue. The popular red variety is a fine-grained quartz, colored by inclusions of different patterns and colors, such as leopard jasper, desert jasper and picasso jasper.
From ancient times this hard and durable gemstone was cherished for its beauty and mystical properties. The jasper mentioned in the Bible as one of the stones in the breastplate of the ancient high priest and in the wall of the New Jerusalem it is believed to have been a dark green, opalescent stone.
Because of jasper's physical properties, engravers of ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt carved this stone into exquisite cameos, intaglios and scarabs. Jasper was considered a sacred stone by the Native Americans.
Jasper is believed to bring good health as well as courage and wisdom in undertakings involving risk. It is also thought to soothe the nerves.
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