White Jasper
Meaning and Properties
History
White Jasper is a naturally occurring gemstone in opaque white.
The word "jasper" is derived from the Greek word iaspi meaning "spotted stone," related to the Hebrew jashpeh and the ancient Assyrian word ashpu. Jaspers were worn by Egyptian priests in amulets covered with inscriptions from their Book of the Dead and wrapped up with mummies for protection in the afterlife. The Minoans of Crete carved seals for the palace of Knossos of jasper.
Jasper was the 12th stone in the breastplate of the Hebrew High Priest, and is said to be the foundation stone of New Jerusalem. Some Native American tribes used jasper to dowse for water and to call rain.
Metaphysical Properties
White jasper is thought to lift spirits and bring joy, nurturing our inner desire for calm with our outer desires. It is believed to shield us from dangerous situations and balance those tendencies with the desire for variety, adventure and new experiences. Thought to be a physically stabilizing stone, it brings well-being, strengthens the immune system, heals wounds and purifies the blood.
Geological Properties
Except for its color, white jasper has essentially the same geological characteristics as other jaspers such as peridot jasper. Like other jasper gemstones, white jasper is a chalcedony and member of the quartz group.
Jasper is a variety of quartz that may contain up to 20 percent foreign materials or inclusions, including organic material and mineral oxides, which determine the color, pattern and appearance of the stone. Uniformly colored jasper is uncommon but not unheard of; usually jasper is multicolored, spotted or banded. This stone is opaque, even in thin slices, and takes a high polish. Different types of jasper display different lusters. Like agate, the wide selection of jaspers includes a range of trade names and classifications that are used by jewelry makers and collectors.
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Proper Care of White Jasper
Jasper gemstones are members of the quartz family. These are durable stones and can be found in a range of jewelry designs, with an equal range of exposure to dirt and wear. Remove jasper jewelry before playing sports or any other activity leading to perspiration.
Clean jasper jewelry with a soft dry cloth to preserve polish. Clean quickly if the jewelry becomes soiled, as jaspers can be porous and easily stained. Wash with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or soft brush. Dry thoroughly.
Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat, as prolonged heat is used to change color in quartzes. When storing jasper, wrap in a cloth or a fabric bag so it cannot scratch softer materials or be scratched by metals or harder gemstone.
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 White Jasper
When you see someone wearing white jasper, it's like unexpectedly seeing a bouquet of warm, sunny colors. Mix white jasper beads with moss agate, leaf green seed beads and nickel-plated or solid brass beads. Or mix them with a variety of wooden beads for a total sense of the outdoors.
View more resources featuring white jasper, including Design Ideas, Videos, Tutorials and more!
Shop for White 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.
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