Jasper

Jasper is an opaque, impure variety of quartz, usually  red, yellow or brown in color but there is also green, pink and black jasper.
It is composed mostly of chalcedony and microcrystalline quartz, in association with other minerals.
When the colors are in stripes or bands, it is called striped or banded jasper.

Jasper was a favourite gem in the ancient world; its name can be traced back in Hebrew, Assyrian, Persian, Greek and Latin.
The name means ’spotted stone’, and is derived from the Anglo – French  ‘jaspre’, from the Old French ‘jaspe’, from the Latin word ‘iaspidem’, the accusative of iaspis, from the Greek ‘iaspis’, and ultimately from the Persian ‘yashp’. It was used for ornamentation, vases, seals or as a gemstone. 

Jasper is a common gemstone, it is even found in garden gravel.
By its multiplicity in color, jasper is the stone of altruism and for this reason it is also called ‘the stone of Christ’. In old times jasper was a beloved stone to which strong magical qualities were attributed.

Jasper is a stone which strengthens the connection with the earth and especially for this reason red and brown jasper (belonging with the root chakra) can be used to become more centered. Jasper works directly on the animal soul to heighten and intensify primal awareness.

Jasper is also an excellent stone to treat emotional problems. It helps to become more individual, to get a stronger feeling of self-respect and improves making contact with others.
Jasper also helps bitter people to open themselves up to support from others.
As an amulet, jasper was carried against eye ailments.

There is of course a difference in the healing effect of jasper, depending on the color and patterns which are present in the stone.
 
Red jasper activates most and may be worn for protection. It stimulates, gives strength and is therefore a useful stone for lethargic people.
Yellow jasper clears the mind and makes reasonable.
Green jasper without dots, is rather neutral, stabilises and harmonises.
Greenish jasper with red dots is called ‘heliotrope’.
Brown jasper is an aid to concentration and may be worn for centering and grounding.
If jasper is multicolored, one must look at the symbolism of the colors who are present and if the patterns are capricious or regular.
Capricious patterns are useful to break through severeness, while regularly lined jasper is well for people who are already capricious or chaotic. It makes them quieter.

Jasper is thé ideal gemstone to be used during times of low energy (fasting) or in times of extended hospitalization !

Jasper
	Magical Healing Properties of the Gemstone Jasper
keyword	grounding and protection
color	red, yellow, brown, green, pink and black
chakra	root
zodiac sign	Aries
characteristics	· provides protection against negativity · helps well against nausea during pregnancy · against stomach, liver and kidney ailments · against epilepsy · is said to protect against seizure · supports people who have anorexia nervosa, it makes them stronger and helps their self-appreciation