Autumn Jasper
Meaning and Properties
History
Jasper, an opaque chalcedony, comes in a wide variety of colors, each with unique patterning. Autumn jasper is the variety of jasper known for its mottled warm brick red and avocado green appearance. The term "jasper" itself comes from the Greek work iaspi, which means "spotted stone." Jasper in general has been a gemstone used all over the world, worn by ancient Egyptian priests and carved as seals by the Minoans. While jasper is more widely available today, jasper was once considered a valuable stone.
Metaphysical Properties
Jasper is considered a powerful healing stone. Autumn jasper helps us move beyond just surviving to making us glad to be alive. Imagine pumpkins, red maple leaves and a long leisurely walk through the country that helps you kick back and relax. The heat of summer is over and the evenings are just cool enough to light a fire in the woodstove or fireplace. Life is good. Somehow you'd forgotten. That's what autumn jasper reminds us of whenever we wear it. Autumn jasper helps to ground and center the wearer, providing support while inspiring tranquility. Personal and environmental negative energy is dispelled, helping the individual reconnect with the Earth.
Geological Properties
Jasper gemstones are found all over the world, but raw autumn jasper materials are often found in India, Madagascar and South Africa. Agate and carnelian are chalcedony like jasper, but jasper is distinguished by its opacity. Jasper is an impure silicon dioxide with unique patterns formed during mineral consolidation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proper Care of Autumn Jasper
Jaspers tend to be hardy stones, and autumn jasper is no different with a Mohs hardness of 6-1/2 to 7. The best method though for cleaning autumn jasper is still the tried and true warm soapy water with a soft cloth or bristle brush. Be sure to dry the stone and all jewelry settings thoroughly before storing or wearing. It is a good idea to avoid prolonged exposure to high heat as this can sometimes create color changes in varieties of quartz.
To learn more about jasper and other gemstones, order your copy of Walter Schumann's revised and expanded edition of Gemstones of the World.
Designing with Autumn Jasper
"Ah!" It's not surprising that the word "autumn" begins with "ah!" Whether it's your favorite season or not, autumn calls for relaxing and winding down. The mixture of warm reds and muted dark greens in autumn jasper beads add that feeling wherever you use them. Draw out the greens of autumn jasper with contrasting red gemstones such as carnelian and the red hues with green stones such as nephrite jade.
View more resources featuring autumn jasper, including Design Ideas, Videos, Tutorials and more!
Shop for Autumn Jasper
**Please note that all metaphysical or healing properties listed are collected from various sources. This information is offered as a service and not meant to treat medical conditions. Fire Mountain Gems and Beads® does not guarantee the validity of any of these statements.
How did you like this resource? Your feedback helps us provide resources that matter to you most.
Copyright Permissions
All works of authorship (articles, videos, tutorials and other creative works) are from the Fire Mountain Gems and Beads® Collection, and permission to copy is granted for non-commercial educational purposes only. All other reproduction requires written permission. For more information, please email copyrightpermission@firemtn.com.