A Writers Guide to Jasper

 Guide to Gemstones
Apr 122011
 

jasper_orbiculaire_madagascarJasper is a form of chalcedony. It is found in red, pink, grey, white, yellow, brown, and green varieties and sometimes blue and purple.

The name jasper is derived from the Old French jaspre and the Latin iaspidem. It means “spotted or speckled stone.”

The classification and naming of the various types of jasper varies greatly. They may be named after locations, they may describe the stone design, or they might just be whimsical. Some of the names include dalmatian, leopard, forest fire, rainbow, ocean, and bruneau.

Seals carved from jasper, circa 1800 BC, have been found at the palace of Knossos on Minoan Crete. 4th century folklore said jasper brought rain. During the Middle Ages it was known as the warrior’s stone.

Magical and mystical properties include:

  • bringing balance to the yin and yang
  • stabilizing the body
  • detoxifying the body and spirit
  • driving away evil spirits
  • protecting from harmful energies
  • increasing sexual pleasure
  • All the varieties of jasper have special properties. Here is a list of additional properties associated with the color:
    • yellow offers protection during spiritual times, channels positive energy, aids in digestions, and strengthns the immune system
    • red protects from nighttime hazards, calms emotions, reduces exhaustion, and simulates sexuality
    • green helps rid obsessions and reduces inflammation
    • blue connects the wearer with the spirit world and helps to sustain energy
    • purple eliminates mental contradictions
    • brown simulates past life regression and aids in traveling the astral plane
    • black is used for scrying and bringing on prophetic dreams

To recharge jasper, run lukewarm running water over the stone, then place it among tumbled hematite stones overnight. (In stone therapy, when using stones to heal, their energy is used up, requiring the stones to be recharged.)

This is a reference for fiction writers and should not be taken as medical or spiritual advice.

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14 comments on “A Writers Guide to Jasper”

  1. Tabitha Bird on said:

    Oh wow. I have never heard of the Jasper stone. Now I think I want one! :)

  2. Niki on said:

    Oh Holly, I just read the top of your blog. My thoughts are with you. Take care XXThe jasper is beautiful.

  3. Hilary Melton-Butcher on said:

    Hi Holly .. love the historical context about Jasper Seals .. our ancients were very clever .. thanks for giving us such wonderful information .. cheers Hilary

  4. LR on said:

    Very weird-looking and cool. :)

  5. Hannah Kincade on said:

    A new one for me. Thanks for the info.

  6. L.G.Smith on said:

    The photo of jasper looks like a watercolor painting where the edges of the paint have bled into the paper. Very cool.

  7. Amy Wood on said:

    Hi Holly,My condolences on your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.Jasper is a neat looking stone. I love that it comes in so many different color combinations and they all help with different things. Very cool!

  8. Sarah Ahiers (Falen) on said:

    ooh! Jasper is so pretty!I'm keeping you and your family in my thoughts.

  9. Melissa on said:

    I'm sorry for your recent loss, may you be comforted during this difficult time.I like the photo of the Jasper stone you chose…especially as a Disney fan as it has not one but two “Hidden Mickeys” in it :D

  10. Laura Marcella on said:

    Wow, I didn't know jasper has so many magical and mystical qualities. Very cool!

  11. Alex J. Cavanaugh on said:

    Holly, I'm so sorry! My prayers with you and your family.

  12. MTeacress on said:

    I am reminded of how I love your A-Z theme, and my thoughts are still with you and yours at this time.

  13. LTM on said:

    ooo… that's a very cool one! I”m enjoying learning all this, btw~ Thanks! <3

  14. Southpaw on said:

    Thank you.