A variety of Quartz, Jasper’s microcrystals are laid out in sugar-like grains rather than fibrous layers like its close relative, Chalcedony. The name is derived from a Greek word meaning “spotted stone”—Jaspers can include up to 20% foreign material which can account for its wide variety of colors and patterns. Some important deposits are found in India, Russia, Brazil, France, Germany and the USA. Orbicular Jasper, having many different names depending on where the material comes from, is any type of Jasper which contains variably-colored orbs or spherical inclusions. Ocean Jasper is the trade name for the specimens found along the shores of Madagascar and Poppy Jasper refers to a specific mine in California, for example.
