Stone Stories Part VII: Ocean Jasper

 

Story Behind the Stone: Ocean Jasper

From bullseyes to evil eyes, and watery ripples and bubbles, Ocean jasper is colorful and busy and packed with interest. Multi-colored freckles and large concentric circles decorate these unusual stones that are found only one place on earth.

It took me a while to warm up to this particular jasper. Until recently I've been more attracted to linear patterns in stones, like those found in lace agate, rather than circles. (I never did care for polka dots all that much.) The patterns in Ocean Jasper are lively and sometimes startling. Having the stone in your ring stare back at you can be disconcerting.

But, tastes change. The intriguing aspect to Ocean Jasper that drew in me started with the larger orbs of concentric circles in colors I didn't expect: greens with pale peach and yellow, or white and brown with sage. I've come to learn that just about any color combination is possible. I also like the fact that this stone can't be found just anywhere, which makes it even more special. 

When shopping for Ocean Jasper I look for the stones that have larger circles, and more interesting patterns. Some of them remind me of tide pools,

 others of the ripples in a pond where a stone has been thrown.

Some are dapples of sunlight and shadow in a mossy pool.

The crystalline druzy deposits are like sparkling treasures found within a tropical cenote.

I tend to slowly acquire stones that catch my attention long before I'm ready to start designing jewelry. However, I found this stone to be a perfect fit in my Sonoma Coast collection, the colors and patterns suited to summer. I have a few select pieces designed around Ocean Jasper that are available now, and more to come in the future!

History Behind the Stone

The name Ocean Jasper is a trademarked designation for a type of jasper found on the northwest shores of Madagascar, in the Analalava district. It was obliquely discovered for the first time in the early 1900's and then existed only as a rumor for the next 30-60 years until an intrepid geologist, Paul Obeniche, tracked it down near the village of Marovato. The small mine could only be accessed at low tide, material dug out by hand and carried by boat to market. Ocean Jasper was named for the patterns that resemble waves and ripples of water, inspired by its origins near the ocean. It was first introduced to the public in 2000 at the Tucson Gem Show.

Orbicular jasper can be found in other regions, notably Indonesia, but only the material found in and around Marovato and Kabamby, Madagascar can be called Ocean Jasper. Kabamby lies over a mile inland, while the village of Marovato (Malaga for "many stones") is situated right on the shore. This is why Ocean Jasper is considered rare. It is interesting to note that the material found in these two areas are distinct and can be identified as coming from one or the other by the predominant colors in the stones. Kabamby jasper is mainly dark green and mustard yellow with some pink, while the material from and around Marovato is known for its multi-colored orbs and translucency with more druzy deposits.

 

How The Stone is Formed

Ocean Jasper forms through a process called orbicularization where mineral rich fluids permeate volcanic ash and tuffs. Spherical nodules grow around a central point that when cut creates a bulls eye effect. These spheres can be only a few millimeters in size. The material is classified as a form of highly silicified orbicular rhyolite, or spherulitic chalcedony. If you've read my previous Stone Story article about Chalcedony, you know this material is considered a "mother stone" to both agate and jasper. (The distinction between the two can be boiled down to translucency or opaqueness.) Ocean Jasper has both qualities, but is characterized by the distinct circular patterning within the stone that is caused by the formation of orbs or spheres.

I love designing jewelry around this fascinating stone! Click on any of the photos above to get to the jewelry pictured (if available) or follow the link to my Sonoma Coast Collection to see more examples of Ocean Jasper jewelry.