By Chisom Ibemere
Ocean Jasper is a variety of Quartz mineral which is a popular and unique gemstone that is known for its vibrant colors, patterns, and orb-like formations.
Ocean Jasper, also known as Sea Jasper, is exclusively found on the northwest coast of Madagascar, an island off the eastern coast of Africa.
It was first discovered in the early 20th century, and since then, it has gained significant popularity among gem collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.
Ocean Jasper is formed within igneous rocks, specifically volcanic rhyolitic tuffs. These tuffs contain spheres or orbs made of chalcedony, which are composed of tiny quartz fibers.
The orbs within Ocean Jasper exist in an array of colors, including green, yellow, red, pink, and brown, and are surrounded by a contrasting matrix of varying shades.
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Ocean Jasper is commonly utilized as a lapidary material to create gemstone cabochons, carved figurines, and various types of jewelry such as pendants, rings, and earrings. Due to its unique and intricate patterns, it is highly valued for its aesthetic qualities.
Ocean Jasper has a hardness ranging from 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, which makes it moderately durable and suitable for jewelry. Its smooth and intricate patterns often resemble underwater scenes, landscapes, or abstract art.
Additionally, it possesses a vitreous to waxy luster and a variety of finishes, such as polished, tumbled, or matte.
Ocean Jasper holds significant value in the gemstone market due to its limited availability and distinctive appearance. The rarity of new, high-quality Ocean Jasper specimens has led to an increase in demand, thereby impacting its global value.
The value is influenced by factors such as color intensity, pattern complexity, and the overall quality of the material.
Ocean Jasper is a captivating gemstone found exclusively in Madagascar. Its vibrant colors, unique orb patterns, and limited availability contribute to its desirability and global value.
Whether used in jewelry-making or appreciated as a collectible specimen, Ocean Jasper captures attention with its remarkable beauty.
