Wide Horse Jasper

Gemstone: Wild Horse Jasper Birthstone Month: Jasper is associated with the birthstone month of January. Zodiac: Jasper is associated with the zodiac signs of Aquarius and Leo. Chemical Symbol: SiO2 Chemical Make-up: Jasper is a microcrystalline variety of Quartz, and a member of the Chalcedony family. It often contains organic material and iron oxides that account for its interesting patterns, bands, and colors. History & Lore: The name Jasper means “spotted stone”, and is ultimately derived from the Persian word 'yashp'. The name Wild Horse Jasper is derived from the location in which it is mined, at the Wild Horse Canyon in Oregon Jasper was a favorite gemstone of ancient times and can be traced back to Greek, Hebrew, Persian, Latin, and Assyrian literature. Jasper is a protective stone and is said to align the chakras and balance the yin and yang energies. In legend, Jasper was believed to protect against evil spirits and forces, and was also believed to bring courage and relief from pain. It is also said to protect against venomous snake and spider bites. Availability: Wild Horse Jasper is readily available at affordable prices. Sources: Wild Horse Jasper is mined at the Wild Horse Canyon in Oregon.

Evaluation: Jasper is rated at 6.5 to 7 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness and should be protected from scratches and sharp blows. Wild Horse Jasper is a member of the Picture Jasper family and is very rich in color combinations of grays, tans, and dark browns, which create stunning scenic landscape patterns much like that of Owyhee Jaspers and other Picture Jasper varieties. The value of Wild Horse Jasper can be determined by the saturation and richness of the colors, the beauty of the exhibited landscape patterns, and the design in which it is formed. Common Cuts: Jasper has been used for sculptures, bowls, vases, seals, and other ornamentation purposes dating back thousands of years. As a gemstone, Wild Horse Jasper is most commonly found cut into cabochons and beads. Routine Enhancements: There are no known enhancements for Wild Horse Jasper. Care & Cleaning: Jaspers are often sealed with petroleum products therefore they should not be cleaned with water because it can remove the coating / polish. It is best to clean your Jasper jewelry with a soft dry cloth. As with most gemstones, Jaspers should be kept away from prolonged exposure to extremes of heat and household chemicals that can damage the stone. Always keep your Jasper jewelry in a fabric-lined box away from other jewelry items in order to avoid damage / scratching.