Blob o' Jasper!

Jasper is a type of chalcedony, which is a microcrystalline variety of quartz. Specifically, jasper is known for its opaque appearance and often comes in various colors, primarily red, yellow, brown, or green, due to the presence of impurities like iron oxides or other minerals. Here are some key characteristics of jasper:

Texture: Typically fine-grained with a smooth, sometimes waxy, surface.
Hardness: On the Mohs scale, jasper ranks between 6.5 and 7, making it quite durable.
Formation: Jasper forms in hydrothermal veins, volcanic rocks, or as sedimentary deposits. It can also occur in nodules or as a cementing material in conglomerates.

Jasper often exhibits patterns or banding, which can be quite striking, leading to its use in jewelry, decorative items, and even in ancient artifacts for its beauty and durability. Varieties of jasper include:

Picture Jasper: Known for its landscape-like patterns.
Red Jasper: Often uniform in color, used for its deep red hue.
Ocean Jasper: Characterized by orbicular patterns in various colors.