Ocean Jasper
There are many varieties of jasper, poppy, zebra, ribbon, stone canyon and more. Ocean jasper is one of the rarest, most popular and sought after varieties. It's vibrant colors and orbicular patterns make it unique, almost like it's alive. I love to collect the material and get lost looking at the patterns, however the only way to acquire it is through dealers which I will explain about later.
Jasper is an aggregate, a combination of quartz, chalcedony and other minerals. It is made of tiny quartz crystals, but somewhat opaque compared to agate. There is a new study though which says ocean jasper is actually chalcedony and not a jasper variety. Originally discovered around 1922, the material was only re-introduced to the world at the Denver Gem and Mineral show in 2000.
The orbs are thought to form out of silica rich, rhyolitic lava. Silica precipitates out of the cooling magma forming small balls. Over time the silica keeps building up forming the unique patterns.
While jasper is found all over the world, ocean jasper is only found in northwestern Madagascar and in fact the known veins have been mined out. Until a new vein is found ocean jasper is only found through mineral dealers. The veins were all found at or near the ocean and hence the name ocean jasper was given to the material.
Some facts about Ocean Jasper:
- Ocean Jasper is a variation chalcedony.
- Shape - varies, orbicular
- Composition - silicon dioxide
- Hardness - 6 - 7 (upper medium, diamond is 10)
- Refractive index (fire) - 1.54 - 1.55 (diamond is 2.417 - 2.419)
- Colors - Pink, red, green, blue, orange, white, multicolored.
- Localities - Madagascar
Enjoy some more specimen photos of tumbled ocean jasper.
For more information on ocean jasper from an authoritative group visit this link: https://www.entertheearth.com/the-geology-varieties-and-history-of-ocean-jasper-part-one/
That's it for this week. Next Mineral Mondays #11: Hanksite
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