In this article
GemStore team — written by the people who list and pack every stone.
Reviewed on
Jasper is one of the most affordable natural stones you can buy, and that makes people assume all jasper is the same. It isn't. Jasper is opaque, fine-grained quartz coloured by other minerals, and the variety, pattern and finish of an individual stone make a real difference to what it is worth.
Variety comes first
Jasper is a group of stones rather than one look:
- Red jasper: solid brick to tomato red, coloured by iron. The classic ring stone.
- Picture and landscape jasper: browns and creams forming scenes that look like hills or deserts.
- Ocean or orbicular jasper: round "eyes" of colour scattered through the stone.
- Yellow, green and mixed jaspers: each with its own pattern and following.
Distinctive, collectible patterns usually command more than plain colours.
Pattern and colour within a variety
For solid-colour jasper, an even, rich tone without dull patches is preferred. For patterned jasper, it is about how attractive and well-placed the design is on the finished stone: a cutter who centres an interesting pattern on the dome has added value.
Polish and cut
Jasper takes a good glossy polish when finished carefully. Look for a smooth surface without pits, scratches or a hazy sheen, a symmetrical shape and a flat, clean base that will sit well in a setting.
Cracks and fill
Small cracks or pits are sometimes filled with resin. Light filling is common in inexpensive stones, but heavily filled pieces are weaker and worth less.
Dyed and reconstituted jasper
Because natural jasper is cheap, imitations target the more striking looks. Dyed jasper shows unusually bright colours, while reconstituted material is crushed stone bound with resin and can show repeated patterns. Natural jasper patterns never repeat exactly across two stones, so if a seller's photographs show identical patterns, ask why. "Swiss lapis" is actually dyed jasper sold as lapis lazuli.
Wearing jasper daily
At 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale jasper takes daily ring wear, although a sharp knock on an edge can chip it. Clean with mild soap and water.
Jasper and Mangal
In South Asian practice jasper is linked to Mars (Mangal) and is worn for endurance and grounding. These are traditional beliefs, not promised results; see our rashi guide.
Checking a fair rate
Because each of our stones is priced individually, the per-carat rate is simply price divided by carat weight. The jasper collection lets you compare individual stones photographed as they are. You may also like moss agate or tanzanite. Urdu names are on our names page, and we deliver with Cash on Delivery to Lahore, Karachi and every other city.
References
