Rock Review: Mushroom Jasper

Today’s gemstone, Mushroom Jasper, is a wonderful choice for those looking to add a unique piece to their jewelry collection.

Geology Buzz

When Mushroom Jasper was first discovered, it had some identity confusion. Because it was found near a deposit of Quartzite in Arizona, it was first thought to be a variety of Quartzite. Once it was determined not to be that gemstone, it was then termed a “Jasper”. Although the “Jasper” name has stuck, we now know it to be type of highly silicated Rhyolite (volcanic rock) with unusual circular formations that resemble mushrooms. Mushroom Jaspers are often seen with a brick red background that bears orbital patterns in a range of grays and browns.

Mushroom Jaspers open are found as “thunder eggs” geode like rock balls that are plain looking on the outside, but contain gemstone on the inner layers. These freeform rocks can then be cut and shaped into lovely cabochons, since they are able to take a high polish.

Fun Facts

If you’re an animal lover, Rhyolite is the stone for you. All Rhyolites are thought to strengthen bonds between animals and humans, especially children. It is believed to be particularly effective for use with cats, since it’s often found in environments that are well suited to wild cats.

In prehistoric times, the largest beds of Rhyolite existed in Eastern Pennsylvania, our studio’s own backyard! Today, there is still lots of Rhyolite to be found just under the earth’s surface in Pennsylvania in Adams, Cumberland, Franklin, Chester, Delaware and Lancaster counties.

Rock Review: Mustard Jasper

This week’s rock review features Mustard Jasper! The name jasper is derived from old French word “jaspre” for spotted stone.

Geology Buzz

Mustard Jasper is somewhat uncommon as it is currently mined only in Indonesia from the top of an active volcano, making it a special find! It often is black or gray on the outer layers progressing to a rich mustard yellow on its inner layers. Jasper is formed from Silica and volcanic ash that are deposited and consolidated in the presence of heat and water over time. Patterns are created as sediments are layered and then compressed.

All Jaspers are a form of Chalcedony. Jasper is between a 6.5-7 on Moh’s scale of hardness. It is opaque and able to take a high polish making it a good choice for cabochon style jewelry.

Fun Facts

Jaspers are one of the birthstones listed for the sign star sign Virgo. It is also the Mystical birthstone for those born in the month of October.

Yellow Jaspers are thought to be associated with balancing and strengthening ones social standing. They also are used to give protection during travel and as a shield from negativity.Ancient European cultures used Jasper ceremonially to conjure rain. Legends say that Jasper drives away evil spirits and protects against snake and spider bites. Since Halloween is just around the corner, it might be just the right time to add jasper to your wardrobe!

Mustard Jasper Saturn Bracelet from Layne Designs, available for purchase!

Rock Review: Porcelain Jasper

Porcelain Jasper is a particularly beautiful variety of Jasper that can be identified by it’s unique swirl and orb like patterns of purple to deep red streaks on a creamy beige palette. No two stones are alike in pattern and color. It is composed of Chalcedony and gains its attractive colors from the presence of iron and aluminum. One of the special characteristics of Porcelain Jasper is its ability to take a very high shine polish, leaving it with a liquid appearance when fashioned into a bead or cabochon. It will cause admirers to wonder if they are beholding ceramic or stone, since it has such a perfectly finished appearance in its end result.

Although Porcelain Jasper can be found in a variety of places around the world, with large quantizes coming from Mexico and Madagascar, there is a particularly special variety called Willow Creek Porcelain Jasper that resides in Idaho. In this location, the gem is found in a special type of rock called a “thunder egg” (similar to a geode) that is created when hot lava flows over a sedimentary rhyolite rock bed. The result is a softball sized very ordinary looking rock that contains a sweet gem surprise on the inside! One Native American legend states that thunder eggs came to be when the Gods of two mountains became angry with each other and began to hurl rocks that landed on the surrounding mountainside and valleys below.

Eastern cultures have valued Jaspers as a symbol of the mysteries of life. Some people believe Jasper jewelry to be useful in building relationships with superiors and colleagues at work. This makes it a fun “out of the box” gift option for clients, bosses and coworkers. It certainly trumps a fruit basket or a pen set! Whether you are looking for a fine piece of Porcelain Jasper to boost your career or inspire you to ponder the mysteries of life, you’ll find some lovely ready to wear options by Layne Designs below.

Orbits Necklace in Porcelain Jasper by Layne Designs