Picture Jasper

Picture Jasper is typically non-toxic unless it's in powder form. Long-term exposure to finely ground powder may lead to silicosis. Therefore, when cutting or polishing picture Jasper, be sure to wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling its dust.

Picture Jasper displays excellent toughness thanks to its compact microcrystalline structure, devoid of cleavage and resistant to fracturing, ensuring durability for daily use.

Picture Jasper is 'Stable' for daily use, showing high resistance to common environmental factors. It requires caution with heat and strong chemicals but generally maintains its appearance well with regular wear and care.

Picture jaspers exhibit combinations of patterns resulting in what appear to be scenes or images, when seen on a cut section. Such patterns include banding from flow or depositional patterns (from water or wind), as well as dendritic or color variations. Diffusion from a center produces a distinctive orbicular appearance, i.e., leopard skin jasper or linear banding from a fracture as seen in leisegang jasper. Healed, fragmented rock produces brecciated (broken) jasper.

While these "picture jaspers" can be found all over the world, specific colors or patterns are unique to the geographic region from which they originate. One source of the stone is Indonesia, especially in Purbalingga district. From the US is Oregon's Biggs jasper and Idaho's Bruneau jasper from the Bruneau River canyon are particularly fine examples. Other examples can be seen at Ynys Llanddwyn in Wales. A remarkable, pale, blue-green jasper, with patterns somewhat resembling those of malachite, occurs in a deposit at Ettutkan Mountain, Staryi Sibay, Bashkortostan, Russia. (The town of Sibay, in the far south of the Ural Mountains, near the border with Kazakhstan, is noted for its colossal, open-cast copper mine).

Picture Jasper is a powerful stone that is said to improve your creativity and visualization skills. It is often used by writers and artists searching for inspiration in an effort to help them connect to their inner focus. When used in the home, it is said to offer a sense of comfort and security. It may also encourage initiative and confidence and be beneficial for one's personal and professional life.