Throughout the world, jasper ranks first among variegated minerals and bears the proud title of “queen of stones.” There is no other stone that is so diverse in colors and patterns, so durable and strong. When looking at this stone, everyone, not only an artist, but also simply a lover of “stone beauty,” is born with imagination and creative thoughts, everyone finds something special in jasper, and we all see something different.
Jasper has been known to man for more than hundreds of thousands of years. Back when weapons and household items were made from stone, jasper was valued for its strength and durability. The beauty of the stone did not immediately attract attention. Most likely, women were able to appreciate her.
For men, the stone served as a hunting tool (arrowheads) and as a household tool. But the masters of decorative art of ancient and ancient civilization left us magnificent stone products - gems, intaglios, necklaces, rings, seals, bracelets, amulets, various figurines, bowls.
Jasper was also used in sculpture. The beauty, richness and uniqueness of the colorful designs on stone made it possible to use it in the creative designs of architects and in the interior decoration of palaces.
The lush and colorful East has always gravitated towards bright colors and luxury, and in this jasper became famous and gained fame. Ancient Egypt and Byzantium were carried away by the riot of color, and all of Europe followed them.
Jasper has gained popularity as a finishing stone. Columns of jasper and marble decorated the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, which was burned in 356 BC. Herostratus, then restored to its original form by Alexander the Great. Time passed, and the temple was plundered by the Goths, its cladding was taken away for other buildings.
Several jasper columns ended up in the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. The floor of the temple was paved with marble and jasper. It resembled a meadow covered with flowers. Jasper floors subsequently decorated churches in Kyiv, Moscow, and St. Petersburg.
But as for the name of the stone, there is a whole story here that researchers are still unraveling. There are many versions, but the origin of the word remains a philological mystery. One thing can be said that the Russian name “jasper” goes back to the Old Slavonic one - “jasper”. Mention of jasper is found in the Bible. Jasper turned out to be one of the twelve sacred stones worthy of decorating the clothes of the high priests. It was declared the stone of the Apostle Peter.
Subsequently, jasper was constantly used as an architectural decoration in the decoration of cathedrals. Each color in the stone had a symbolic meaning. The Middle Ages gave humanity the best stone masters, real virtuosos who developed and used mosaic techniques. This is how many walls and floors of cathedrals and palaces were lined; magnificent tombstones, sculptures, cameos, vases, and cups were created, which were set with precious metals and inlaid with enamel and stones.
Using the mosaic technique, unique compositions were created from stones, selected by color and pattern into magnificent picturesque pictures. Czech and Italian craftsmen contributed to mosaic techniques and stone processing in the Middle Ages. Stone cutting reached unprecedented heights in the 18th – 19th centuries, when special machines were invented that made it possible to process large decorative items. And here Russia has already become famous. Russia took first place in the richness and diversity of jasper shades.
History of Jasper
Jasper is a variegated stone.
This is how the name is translated from the Greek “Jaspis”. This semi-precious gem is valued all over the world for its many colors. It has been known since ancient times. Primitive people used jasper as a material for jewelry - rings and amulets. Advertising - Continued below
The formation of stone dates back many centuries ago. In those days, there was a Warm Sea in the Urals and volcanoes were active. Volcanic ash mixed with colored silt. Oxides of iron and manganese - brown, red and even black, green chloride salts, blue silicates, and all sorts of other minerals are part of jasper. Gradually the sea dried up, the rocks hardened, became dense and compressed. Thus a new diverse mineral was born. In terms of texture and colors, it cannot be compared with any other stones; it is diverse and has many varieties.
Jasper deposits in nature
There are many such places on the planet.
Since ancient times, gem mining has been practiced in Egypt and India. And now these countries are suppliers of gems to the world market. There are jasper deposits in Germany, Venezuela, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and China. Beautiful types of jasper are also found in the USA, in the states of Arizona and Maine. However, Russian jasper is considered the best and most beautiful all over the world. They are mined in the Urals, Altai, North Caucasus, and Khabarovsk Territory.
The history of Russian jasper began in the 18th century, when the Orsk fortress was founded, which became an outpost of the Russian state on the southeastern outskirts. It was here that the richest jasper yields were found. In 1767, a map was compiled on which several dozen jasper deposits were indicated (now there are more than 200). It is impossible to list and talk about all the jaspers in Russia. But we must remember with gratitude those masters of the past who left us magnificent works of art.
The beauty of the stone is rich and unique. The countless reserves and variety of jasper allowed Russian stone-cutters to create masterpieces of incredible beauty. Among them is a jasper cabinet in Tsarskoe Selo made from Ural and Altai jaspers. Jasper rooms create an amazing and colorful spectacle. Walls, doors, platbands, window cornices and small parts are covered with gemstone plates. The beauty of the stone is complemented and emphasized by gilding, stucco, ceiling painting, and parquet made of valuable wood.
Russian masters had an expression - “to give the power of stone.” This meant bringing out his beauty as much as possible. Ural craftsmen developed their own special stone processing technique. Jasper was also used in the interiors of the Winter Palace (Petrovsky, or Small, Throne Room, Hall of the Great Vase). The large vase, called the “Queen of Vases,” is made of green-wavy jasper, its weight is 19 tons, its diameter is 5.04 m, and its height with pedestal is 2.57 m. This stone beauty was made in Altai. In addition to this vase, many not only similar vases were made, but also magnificent bowls, floor lamps, candelabra, clocks, dishes, obelisks, tabletops, and boxes. All these works of art became the decoration of the halls of the Winter Palace. The glory of jasper does not fade even today. She took part in decorating the Mausoleum of V.I. Lenin, the Grand Kremlin Palace, Moscow metro stations.
Today, products made from Russian jasper can be seen not only in Russia, but also in palaces in European countries.
Healing and magical properties of jasper
Natural jasper, tumbling.
Photo: tutfengshui.ru In ancient times, jasper was used to heal eyesight and protect houses from the evil eye. The temples had floors made of jasper, since this stone was considered divine, casting out demons. Sorcerers and magicians kept their things in boxes and boxes made from this mineral. It was also believed that in order to perform rituals at a distance, a portrait of a person must be placed in a jasper frame.
Jasper is a source of good energy. Products made from this stone cannot harm its owner. All objects and jewelry made from jasper act as amulets. They bring happiness and peace to the home.
With the help of red jasper, women's diseases are treated, and wearing the stone in the abdomen helps to cure diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys.
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Who is it suitable for?
What do astrologers say?
If you believe them, then all signs of the Zodiac can wear jasper, only red and orange jasper is recommended for fiery ones, white and yellow shades for airy ones, blue and gray shades for water ones, and brown and green shades for earthly ones. And Militta advises wearing costume jewelry and jewelry made from jasper, which she likes the most! Author Tatyana Dmitrieva
Medicinal properties
Jasper can cure many diseases. Its medicinal properties directly depend on its color:
- a white, pink or peach stone will help the cardiovascular system;
- a yellow or orange gem will give strength and vitality, boost immunity, and improve the health of the skin;
- the green mineral helps restore vision, cure eye diseases, improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, get rid of anxiety, stress, insomnia, depression, fear and relieve pain;
- red gems improve the functioning of the reproductive organs, stop bleeding, improve the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, and relieve toothache and headaches.
Compatibility of Jasper according to zodiac signs
Jasper is the ideal stone for Virgo. It will give them confidence in their own abilities, bestow wisdom, and save them from making mistakes. For this zodiac sign, the mineral provides protection from various negative influences. It helps Virgos find a common language with others.
Jasper is suitable as a talisman for Pisces. The mineral will make representatives of this zodiac constellation more confident and will help strengthen the positive qualities of Pisces.
Gemini and Aries are not recommended to wear the stone. It will only contribute to strengthening their negative character traits. All other zodiac signs can use the mineral as a talisman. But it shouldn't be done all the time.
Jewelry
Jasper is mainly used to make beads, pendants, rings and necklaces. However, the imagination of jewelers and designers is endless, so among all the variety of jewelry you can always find something original and exclusive.
Popular types of jasper jewelry:
- beads;
- necklace;
- bracelets;
- earrings;
- rings;
- brooches;
- cufflinks
As for the color palette, everything is more diverse here. Today the following color varieties of jasper are known:
- white;
- yellow (red, orange);
- blue (blue);
- brown;
- pink;
- purple;
- black (one of the most expensive samples).
IMPORTANT! There are also original combinations of different colors in individual copies. Among them, the most common are oceanic jasper (the pattern of the stone resembles the seabed), Dalmatian (peach-white streaks covered with black spots merge on the surface), landscape (unique stones with an artistic design), tiger and leopard (the pattern on the surface resembles the color of these animals) .
For men
Products for men are made more respectable. The decor in which the frame is made is simpler, but made of expensive materials (most often silver or gold). Jasper is chosen in muted or dark colors. Most often, men's jewelry is made with black jasper.
Here is the approximate cost of such jewelry:
- pendant with 1 jasper (6.71 carats, 925 silver) – 5500 rubles;
Pendant with Jasper - cufflinks (black jasper, 925 sterling silver) – 7,700 rubles;
Cufflinks - bracelet with 1 jasper (3.21 carats, 925 silver) – 20,500 rubles;
Jasper bracelet - ring with 1 black jasper (1.16 carats, 925 sterling silver) – 7,500 rubles.
Ring
IMPORTANT! The cost of products directly depends on the materials from which the frame is made.
For women
Jewelers provide beautiful ladies with a wider selection of jasper jewelry. Here there are both cheap options for jewelry without precious metals framed, and more expensive ones, including gold, silver and expensive types of stones.
Cost of jewelry made from Ural jasper:
- beads – $15-30;
Beads - jasper bracelet (contains only stones) – $6-15;
Bracelet made of natural Jasper - bracelet with large stones and cupronickel – $33-45;
- pendant (pendant) – $18-35;
- earrings – $20-35;
Earrings - ring – 15-25 $;
- set of jewelry (earrings and rings) – $55-85.
Jewelry Set
Cost of silver items with jasper:
- earrings – $85-255;
- necklace – $155-235;
- pendant – $35-55;
- ring – $35-75.
Cost of gold items with jasper:
- bracelet – $155-500;
- pendant – $130-455.
IMPORTANT! Jewelry made from jasper is rarely framed in gold, since the stone itself has a low cost. So most often its frame is made of cheaper materials or precious metals.
Popular types of cuts
To make jasper more decorative, its surface is polished. Plain insert elements or links are treated with cabochons. And if the designer wants to focus on the uniqueness of the pattern on the stone, then it is simply polished like a flat insert.
Stone setting
The framing determines which class a particular jasper product will be assigned to. For example, if the composition includes only a costume jewelry alloy, cupronickel (an alloy of copper, zinc and nickel) or rhodium plating, then the product, accordingly, belongs to the category of costume jewelry. These jewelry are much cheaper.
But jewelry-quality products must contain at least 925 sterling silver or 585 gold. Such decorations are more impressive, but also have a higher cost.
Stone compatibility
If you plan to wear jasper with other stones, then you should know exactly what it goes with. Jasper goes well with stones of the elements of Water and Earth. But you shouldn’t wear it with Fire and Air stones.
The best combinations for jasper:
- opal;
- alexandrite;
- topaz;
- emerald;
- agate;
- turquoise.
Bad combinations for jasper:
- amber;
- sapphire;
- diamond;
- coral;
- ruby;
- nephritis.
How to wear
Jasper can be worn in different ways. This stone is considered universal. Lighter shades of the gem are well suited for children or young adults. But jewelry with darker stones looks great on men and older people.
Jasper can be worn on a walk, with clothes in folk or boho style (multi-layered jewelry). But talismans and amulets made of jasper should not be displayed. They need to be worn under clothes, in a bag or pocket. Experts also advise not to get carried away by frequently wearing such energetically strong stones.
Caring for your jewelry
Jasper is quite easy to care for. It is very difficult to scratch or damage, it is not afraid of the sun and high temperatures. So its care can be minimal:
- Clean jasper jewelry periodically in soapy water. Under no circumstances use aggressive household chemicals for this.
- Rinse the stones under running water.
- Dry items on a soft cloth away from radiators or radiators.
Despite all the strength of the stone, still keep it away from high temperatures and humidity and choose boxes with soft upholstery inside for storing it.
How to distinguish from a fake
It is almost impossible to counterfeit jasper, since the stone is opaque, quite hard and has a noticeable weight. But if you are still afraid of purchasing a fake, then here are some tips for identifying a real gem:
- Hold the stone in your hands. If it doesn’t heat up, then that means you have real jasper in front of you.
- Weigh the gem in your hand. Its weight should be noticeable.
- Inspect the surface of the product. There should be no transparent elements visible anywhere.
- If the seller claims that it is some rare type of jasper, then the price for it should be appropriate.
