Jasper Beads

Jasper beads are made from quartz, specifically chalcedony. It is generally opaque and has some pattern to it, but comes in all colors. If heavily banded, jasper is called an agate. There are many names applied to jasper, as the names often refer to the origin of a particular pattern or color. In the case of brecciated jasper, opal is the cementing material that holds fragments of jasper together.

Jewelry supplies of jasper are an especially nice element in jewelry making projects, due to jasper's wonderful array of color choices and exceptional durability. Here are some of the jasper gemstone beads that we offer:

• bloodstone jasper - green with brick red
• dalmation jasper - creamy yellow with black flecks
• poppy jasper - brecciated jasper, primarily red or pink
• moukaite - a mix of mustard, burgundy, brick, olive, and gray
• silver leaf jasper - gray with some tan and black
• leopard skin jasper - variety of colors with a distinctive circular pattern
• ocean jasper - primarily dark leaf green, primarily found off the coast of India
• red jasper - pure brick red
• picture jasper - exhibiting distinctive layers, large pieces show a landscape-like pattern
• fancy jasper - multiple colors, primarily green
• picasso jasper - notable striping at various angles, appearing somewhat like artists brush strokes
• rainforest jasper - black with dark green spots
• red spot jasper - unique tiny red spots throughout
• peridot jasper - light chartreuse green
• tiger jasper - tan with wavy stripes
• desert jasper - solid tan
• ryolite - olive green, tan, gray, and cream mixed
• red malachite - reddish tan, heavily banded like malachite

Jasper gemstone beads are often cut into fancy shapes. In jewelry making, red jasper and picture jasper pair especially well with turquoise. Dalmation jasper pairs well with black stone or agate.

common treatments: none

special care: protect from abrasion

hardness: 6.5 - 7