Picture Jasper

Picture Jasper, also known as Scenic Jasper, is a very beautiful stone in that scenic landscapes can often be seen in its unusual patterns, with light and dark backgrounds, strands and blends throughout. A member of the quartz (agate) family, the Picture Jasper seen above is found in very natural sand, tan, light and dark brown, and grey colors, often peppered with tiny dark specks that give its landscapes a "sandy desert" appearance.

The often spectacular patterns and pictures seen in the jasper stone can be attributed to two conditions that may occur in the stone: when iron oxide seeps into cracks found in sandstone, and when tiny plants get trapped in the sand during the natural rock-forming process, where they become fossilized. It is also formed when mud containing silica drips into gas pockets in molten lava and then becomes superheated and petrified.

Picture Jasper, sometimes used as an October birthstone, was used by some North American tribes during rain dances. They called the stone the "rain bringer" and believed they would have good luck if they carved their arrowheads from this stone.

Those who are superstitious or believe stones and gems have spiritual or healing qualities often believe that Picture Jasper makes a person more environmentally conscious and that it serves to bring harmony between human beings and the nature that surrounds them. Some believe the stone enhances a person's sense of responsibility for the Earth. Others believe Picture Jasper improves one's ability to concentrate, giving one the ability to better visualize things, while crystal healers believe it can cure ailments in the eyes and protect against pain during the process of childbirth.

Jasper is a very fine grained variety of chalcedony. It also comes in many other naturally-occurring colors such as red, grey, pink, yellow, green and even some beautiful sky blues and purples.

The Picture Jasper used in Charisma Bolivia jewelry is imported into Bolivia from Brazil. We also use Dalmation Jasper in some of our pieces.

Charisma Bolivia jewelry is handcrafted by artisans in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. I then bring our collections back to the U.S.A. where I place them in our online store. All orders are mailed worldwide from California. I invite you to watch the slideshow below.