What is Orbicular Jasper?

Characteristics of Orbicular Jasper

Orbicular jasper is a distinctive variety of jasper identified by its orb-like markings. These spherical patterns form during the stone’s growth and are the reason for its name.

Used primarily as a decorative material, orbicular jasper can be exceptionally colourful and can be highly polished. It's widely used for carvings and cabochons.

Different varieties of orbicular jasper are found in several locations around the world. One of the best-known examples is ocean jasper, a trade name for a variety found exclusively in Madagascar.

Another type is poppy jasper, which originates from the Morgan Hill area of Santa Clara County, California.

Jasper is typically opaque, largely due to its complex composition. As much as 20% of the stone can consist of other minerals and inclusions, which contribute to its opacity, wide range of colours, and varied patterns.

Blue in jasper is rare. 
Other varieties of orbicular jasper include leopardskin jasper, and several lesser-known regional forms.

Although colours and patterns differ between these stones, the orb-like patterns remain the defining feature.

These radial aggregates, composed of fine, needle-like crystals, grow within the silica-rich material.

Orbicular jasper is a type of microcrystalline quartz.

Article Pictures

The orbicular jasper at the top of our article is courtesy of Ron Wolf. The second photo is courtesy of Stan Celestian.

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Poppy jasper: Courtesy of Captain Tenneal.