The Magic of Polychromatic Jasper
Imagine a symphony of hues mingling within a single gemstone. Captivating reds, rich earthy tones, and one-of-a-kind patterns and designs come together to create one of the most stunning natural substances ever discovered.
Enter polychromatic jasper: the colorful stone that perfectly captures Earth’s history and artistry. Often called the supreme nurturer, jasper is not only beautiful but is said to have mystical properties that can help heal, empower, and allow you to live your most peaceful life.
What is Jasper Stone?
Polychromatic jasper is a rare variety of the more common jasper. Jasper is a vibrant stone made from volcanic ash that has been cemented into a solid stone, hence its many layers and stripes. Though regular jasper stone has been popular for many years, the polychrome version is a more recent discovery and is highly valued.
This patterned stone is named for its multiple colors and is typically in high demand. The colors most often found in polychromatic jasper stones are reds, browns, deep greens, and other light neutrals. However, purples and blues can occasionally make appearances in certain areas, and those are highly sought-after. Jasper stone is popular for its variety, as it is almost impossible to find two polychromatic jasper pieces that are just alike.
Where is Polychromatic Jasper Found?
Since polychromatic jasper is made up mostly of volcanic ash, it’s found in spots that currently or historically have had volcanic activity. The highest concentration of jasper stone found in the world is in Madagascar. This Madagascar treasure trove contains the most vivid colors and intricate patterns ever discovered, making it a very popular spot for trying to collect these gems.
Australia is another place where polychromatic jasper can be found in large quantities. Due to the large variety of landscapes and terrain in Australia, very unique pieces of jasper stone have been found throughout the years. Australians also value these stones for their history and ties to the land. With many geographical similarities to Australia, places like South Africa also have a rich concentration of jasper stone.
Though the largest concentrations of polychromatic jasper tend to be in the southern hemisphere, three other popular spots to find the gemstone are:
- India
- Western United States
- Mexico
Cultural Significance of Jasper
Like many other healing crystals, jasper stone holds a revered position in many cultural and spiritual practices throughout the world. Different societies have valued the colorful gemstone for tons of reasons. Three of the cultural groups that highly value jasper stone are:
- Ancient Egyptians
- Aboriginals
- Native Americans
Jasper in Ancient Egypt
In ancient Egypt, jasper stones were associated with protection, courage, and strength. The ancient Egyptian communities had many uses for jasper, including using them in healing crystal jewelry, traditional medicinal compounds, and prayer or religious worship. The most common use was in jewelry – Egyptians believed that wearing jasper amulets would shield you from harm.
Additionally, jasper was often placed in armor because it was supposed to provide the strength, courage, and fortitude to face life’s greatest challenges, like battle. Jasper is a unique substance in Egyptian history because it was used by the elite and common people simultaneously.
Egyptians intertwined the jasper stone into many parts of their culture and beliefs, from life to beyond death. Oftentimes, jasper stone was used for scarabs. Scarabs are beetle-shaped amulets or small sculptures that were placed on tombs of the dead. The communities of the dead believed these jasper stone scarabs would protect their loved ones in the afterlife and ward off any bad spirits.
Aboriginal People and Jasper
The Aboriginal people of Australia have a deep spiritual connection with the land and its elements, and jasper is no exception. Stones like polychromatic jasper are seen as tools to access the Dreamtime. The Dreamtime is the context for the entirety of Aboriginal culture; it refers to the way they believe the universe was created.
Since the spirits of their ancestors lie in the Dreamtime, it is important to many Aboriginal people that they have ways to access these spirits to pray with them, gain guidance, and promote a healthy life. Using polychromatic jasper in spiritual practices is known to encourage vitality in the Aboriginal people.
Jasper Stones and Native American Culture
Native American cultures were very close with the land and frequently used natural elements for jewelry pieces. However, the use of jasper stone extended far beyond aesthetics and adornment. Many Native American communities believed that red and orange-colored stones, like jasper stones, possessed the strength and spirit of Mother Earth, and thus, the possession of them would keep you healthy and connected to the land.
Many of the leaders in Native American tribes used jasper as a healing tool for both physical and spiritual ailments. Not only were they used on alters and as prayer pieces, but many historians believe that Native Americans even ground up healing stones like jasper to mix with water and ingest, healing their people from the inside out.
Using Polychromatic Jasper as a Healing Stone
Jasper stone is known as one of the most powerful healing crystals, and using it in your own life is delightfully easy and can give you many different benefits. It is widely believed that jasper stones help with anxiety and emotional healing, making them a great healing crystal to keep around the house. If you’re looking for a decorative piece of polychromatic jasper to display in your home, a cube of jasper provides aesthetic appeal and sends out positive energy to keep you at your best.
Since polychromatic jasper is one of the healing stones known for anxiety relief, one of our favorite products is a jasper worry stone. Worry stones are uniquely shaped with a smooth surface and small divot to rub with your fingers. Keeping a worry stone in your pocket gives you the healing properties of the crystal, plus a way to fidget away some of your anxious energy.
Your Polychromatic Jasper Collection
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned healing stone enthusiast, adding jasper stones to your everyday routine can make the difference between an ordinary day and an extraordinary one. From the beautiful red hues to the rarest purple and blue pieces, jasper stones will help you connect with the earth, ease your worries, and maybe even achieve sublime spiritual health.