Ocean Jasper

This is orbicular Ocean Jasper from Madagascar.

This gemstone variety is silicified rhyolite flow from off the northwest coast of Madagascar. It can only be seen and collected at low tide. The area has no road, so the material must be transported to civilization by boat.

Ocean Jasper was first written about in 1922 and than the location was actually lost for almost 80 years!

Ocean Jasper was named for its location as well as its resemblance to the foam of the ocean as it recedes back into the ocean, with its wavy patterns of green-gray, white, cream, beige, brown, pink and marooon.

The Greek origin of the word jasper, iaspis, means "spotted stone." It is a member of the chalcedony family, or a microcrystalline quartz, and it has a hardness of about 7 on the Moh's scale.

Metaphysical Properties: Ocean Jasper is believed to teach responsibility and patience, as well as aid in regulating breathing for meditation. It is a stone of joy and high spirits and may be beneficial to those who suffer from depression.