About My Jewelry

About My Jewelry
Mary Brown Jewelry

Sunday, June 13, 2010

I’m late! I’m late for a very important date!


A date with my favorite group of gemstones, Jasper. The colors, the textures and sometimes even pictures, Jasper lets your imagination run wild.

Part of the Chalcedony family, it often contains organic material and mineral oxides that give it interesting patterns, bands and colors. Many of these patterns resemble landscapes with mountains and valleys. The name "picture" is part of the name of many well known jasper.

Ocean Jasper markings are almost indescribable. No other stone contains such a variety of color and pattern, green in all shades, orange, pink, white, lilac, yellow, brown, wavy lines, polka dots and sometimes cavities are present which are filled with sparkling druzy quartz.

When I see Ocean Jasper, I just have to smile. Not a Cheshire cat smile that just disappears, but a real smile, because I know Ocean Jasper will inspire stunning and very wearable jewelry.

Found along the intertidal shores of northeast Madagascar, Ocean Jasper is very soothing, healing and brings peace of mind. It helps with acceptance of responsibility and increases patience. The circular patterns of Ocean Jasper help us realize that we are all connected and nature is a cyclical pattern.

 Kambaba Jasper (also known as Kumbara Jasper or Crocodile rock) are Stromatolite Fossils of fossilized Algae. They are sedimentary fossils.



The deep rich patterns of green and black in Kambaba Jasper are like the cool, mossy forest floor. It is said to soothe the nerves and state of mind. As with other Jasper, traditional lore says that it is good for grounding and protection. In folklore, Kambala Jasper is considered beneficial for plant health and growth, especially in arid environments or where the soil is poor.

Moukaite Jasper (sometimes called Mookite) is a type of Jasper found in Australia. The broad patterns of red-brown, gold and purple that sweep through it are actually finely-divided minerals such as clay and iron oxide. This durable jasper forms layers of color depending upon how they are cut from the slab.



Moukaite’s earthy tones are sumptuous, sensual and create a warm and soothing feel to any piece of jewelry. Moukaite is a stone of the “here and now.” It helps balance the internal, external and acceptance of change. Moukaite is a very protective stone, and is particularly good as an emotional protector.






Caring for Jasper

It is safest to clean Jasper using warm water, mild soap and a cloth or soft brush. Do not use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. Keep Jasper out of contact with excessive heat, acids, ammonia and other chemical or abrasive cleaners. Due to its finish, Ocean Jasper should only be cleaned with a gentle cloth.

Jasper can be casual, sophisticated, warm, calming or just plain fun.  You will enjoy wearing this stone as much as I do.