Information Regarding Pricing, Valuation, and Gems from Jasper
In the realm of gemstones, jasper stands out for its durability, affordability, and rich history. This cryptocrystalline quartz gemstone, characterised by its earthy, opaque appearance, comes in a variety of colours and patterns, each with its unique origins, properties, and values. This article takes a closer look at four specific types of jasper: Biggs Jasper, Bruneau Jasper, Imperial Jasper, and Madagascar Jasper (including Plumite Jasper).
Jasper is a form of chalcedony, rich in iron oxides, which gives it its characteristic earthy look. It can be found in numerous colours, including reds, browns, yellows, and greens. On the Mohs scale, jasper generally has a hardness of around 6.5 to 7, making it durable for all jewelry uses. Known for grounding, stabilising energy, emotional balance, and physical vitality, jasper is valued for its beauty, colour variety, and metaphysical qualities rather than its rarity.
Biggs Jasper, primarily found near Biggs Junction in Oregon, USA, is renowned for its intricate and colourful patterns, often featuring reds, browns, blacks, and tans. It is prized among collectors and artists for its unique and dramatic natural designs, making it a collector's stone and an artistic and decorative choice.
Bruneau Jasper, hailing from the Bruneau River Canyon area in Idaho, USA, is noted for its swirled and banded patterns with brown, cream, and reddish hues. Its visual appeal lies in the complex patterns that resemble landscapes or flowing rivers. Bruneau Jasper is popular among collectors and lapidary enthusiasts for cabochons and decorative pieces, and is valued for its pattern distinctiveness.
Imperial Jasper, sourced from Mexico, is recognised for its vibrant, often bright red and yellow patterns with good colour saturation. Its warm earthy tones – reds, oranges, yellows – make it stand out among jasper stones. Due to its rich colouration and polish, it is sought after in jewelry, with higher-quality specimens commanding higher prices due to deep colours and pattern clarity.
Madagascar Jasper, including Plumite Jasper, originates from Madagascar. Plumite Jasper, sometimes called Poppy Jasper, is deep red with orange and gray tones. It is valued for both its beauty and strong metaphysical grounding properties, often used in healing contexts. Plumite Jasper is associated with emotional healing, strength, joy, and stability, linked to the root chakra, making it a powerful tool for balancing and grounding energy.
In summary, Biggs and Bruneau Jaspers are prized mainly for their unique, art-like patterns and are favoured by collectors and jewelers turning them into decorative cabochons. Imperial Jasper’s rich colours make it desirable for fine jewelry. Madagascar Jasper, including Plumite Jasper, is valued for both its beauty and strong metaphysical grounding properties, often used in healing contexts.
Jasper offers a durable, colourful, and affordable gemstone option with deep historical and spiritual significance. Wholesale values of commercial grade standard cabs of agate range from $.50 to $20 each, depending on size. Oregon's Biggs Jasper is now the most common source for picture stones. Jasper names can come from their colour, pattern, or place of origin. Jasper use in jewelry dates back to early civilisation.
[1] [Metaphysical Properties of Jasper](https://www.gemstoneuniverse.com/blog/metaphysical-properties-of-jasper) [5] [Jasper: The Gemstone](https://www.gemstoneuniverse.com/blog/jasper-the-gemstone)
Jasper, with its diverse color palette, durability, and rich history, transcends gemstone categories and ventures into the realms of lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, and home-and-garden. Each type of jasper, like Biggs Jasper, Bruneau Jasper, Imperial Jasper, and Madagascar Jasper (including Plumite Jasper), offers unique characteristics that cater to different tastes and interests, making them valuable not only for their physical properties but also for their aesthetic and metaphysical attributes.
