I could talk about the different kind of jasper stones for hours. Aqua terra jasper pendants, picasso jasper strands, ocean jasper beads, dendritic jasper focal beads...
So I decided to! Let me tell you about it. Jasper is a mix of quartz and chalcedony, along with various other stones. That's a pretty broad definition, which is what gives jasper its dozens of different colors and inclusions! It's so common and has so many different names, that if it is an opaque gemstone - there's a pretty good chance it's jasper.
This jasper comes in some beautiful shades, spanning more blue-green to more reddish. It also takes dyes particularly well! Where it shines is the veining present throughout the stone.
As you may have guessed from the name, Dalmatian jasper is all about the spots! A pale cream with dark inclusions, it's reminiscent of the dog it's named after. (Or was it vice versa?) This is usually cut without facets, but sometimes is cut with them as well!
Dendritic jasper
Dendritic (which I guarantee I pronounce wrong in person!) refers to the formation of the stone - it means literally "having a branched form resembling a tree." The different minerals form a branching pattern that can almost look painted on at a first glance! It's not truly it's own category - picture jasper is often dendritic, as is moss agate and other stones as well.
Full of beautiful inclusions, picture jasper is the ideal neutral. Ranging from cool toned tans and black patterning to a more saturated orange, it's always such a gorgeous look! It's said to aid determination, honesty, and courage.
What beautiful tones! The deep purple hues mixed over a cream background with simply impeccable patterns look like pieced together porcelain - hence the name! The stone is said to assist in gentleness and relaxation, along with a feeling of safety.
I can't even pretend - this is unabashedly my FAVORITE jasper so far. The colors - white to pink to yellow to red, mostly all on top of green, with the gorgeous eyespot patterning? Give it to me any day of the week! It's found only under the ocean off the coast of Madagascar.
Sonora jasper combines all the deep, beautiful reddish tones of copper with the darker gunmetal color to a beautiful degree! On occasion it can even include aqua blue, known as Sonoran Sunrise jasper. It was only discovered in the early 2000s, making it one of the newest gemstones! Only found in Mexico, it's said to promote feelings of freedom and and empowerment.
Rainforest jasper forms from rhyolitic lava - as the lava cools, the gas pockets are filled with silica material and quartz, leaving the eyespots it's known for. It's found exclusively in Queensland, and is said to attract joyful and pleasant energies.
Said to be a mood lifter and promote more energy, zebra jasper is all in the name! White with black stripes - or is it black with white stripes - it can even come in reds, pinks, and greens as well. This mixes well with almost all stones due to its more neutral coloration!
Kiwi jasper is such an interesting color! The faint seafoam green-blue color lets the darker spots really stand out. Sitting it beside Dalmatian jasper really shows the difference between the warms tones of the former and the cooler tones of kiwi jasper! It's said to remove negative emotions and provide support in stressful times.
I've gone over many types of jasper here, but there are more than I could possibly name! Such a huge variety of color, location, patterning, and included stones. Which one speaks to you?