Bumblebee Jasper Properties, Facts and Photos

What is Bumblebee Jasper?

Bumblebee jasper is a relatively rare stone from west Java in Indonesia.

Although widely reported to come from Mount Papandayan, this location has only been used as a landmark close to where the stone is found.

Bumblebee jasper being found at Mount Papandayan initially confused geologists because it's extremely rare to find limestone inside or even close to a volcano.

Scientific analysis has confirmed bumblebee jasper is limestone composed primarily of calcite.

The name "jasper" is misleading because it's not a jasper at all.  Jasper is associated with quartz and there's no quartz in bumblebee jasper.  It's also sometimes referred to as an agate which is also incorrect.  From a geological perspective agate is similar to jasper.

Many colourful stones used for decorative purposes are given trade names.  Jasper is always popular because it's a material people are familiar with.  In many cases it causes no end of confusion when geologists try to identify the chemical composition of a specific material.   

The yellow and orange colour of bumblebee jasper comes from an arsenic sulphide called realgar. It was originally believed to come from another arsenic sulphide called orpiment.

Orpiment and realgar form in the same environment and share similar physical properties.  The black markings are believed to come from manganese oxides.

Testing has shown bumblebee jasper is high in sulphur and arsenic.  Minerals with toxic elements are safe to handle especially once polished.  The danger comes from inhaling their dust or microscopic fibres.

Cutting and polishing these minerals must be done with caution and appropriate breathing protection must be used.

Bumblebee jasper is known locally as "batu badar belerang". This roughly translates to "coal becoming sulphur". It was named bumblebee jasper by an American rock and mineral enthusiast who found the stone whilst working in Indonesia.

Due to its popularity huge amounts of bumblebee jasper have now been mined. As a result there's very little fine grade material left available.

Bumblebee Jasper Healing Properties

When used for its metaphysical healing properties bumblebee jasper cleanses and purifies the human energy field.  It helps remove stagnant or negative energy and promotes a sense of balance and well-being.

It's associated with boosting vitality and physical strength. Bumblebee jasper provides a revitalising effect, enhances stamina and energy levels.

It supports emotional healing and stability. It alleviates feelings of stress, anxiety and eases depression.

Meditating with bumblebee jasper promotes a sense of calm and deep emotional healing.

It can be used to boost self-confidence and to help overcome challenges. It develops a strong sense of self-worth and assertiveness.

As with most varieties of jasper it provides a protective shield against negative energies, psychic attacks and electromagnetic radiation.

Using bumblebee jasper for its healing properties brings a sense of safety and well-being.

Article Photo

The bumblebee jasper stone is courtesy of Amir Akhavan. The realgar is courtesy of Ron Wolf.  Both images are clickable and redirect to the original non compressed photos.