Ocean Jasper Properties, Facts and Photos

What is Ocean Jasper?

Ocean Jasper is a type of rhyolite known for its unique patterns and vibrant colours.

Rhyolite is an igneous rock that forms when lava with a high silica content, cools and solidifies.  

Ocean Jasper, which can only be found in Madagascar, is often described as an orbicular jasper.  These materials are characterised by their distinctive orb-like patterns.

The patterns can vary in size, colour and arrangement creating a unique and fascinating appearance.  The circular patterns are the result of quartz or feldspar needle-like crystals that come together to create spherical structures.

Orbicular Jaspers are found in many countries around the world.  The variety correctly known as Kabamby Ocean Jasper, can only be found on the northwest coast of Madagascar.

The colours in Ocean Jasper come from various mineral inclusions.  Red comes from iron in the form of hematite, yellow or grey is clay, and shades of brown are mostly goethite.  

Ocean Jasper is a registered trade name.

Kabamby Ocean Jasper

The deposit where Kabamby Ocean Jasper was first documented to have been found in the 1950s was incorrectly recorded as Kabamba.  Kabamba is an area in central Madagascar.  It should have been documented as Kabamby which is a remote location on the northwest coast.

For this reason, Ocean Jasper was forgotten and remained hidden until it was rediscovered some fifty years later.

There is some evidence to suggest that Ocean Jasper from Kabamby was discovered earlier than the 1950s.

On a receipt dated 1927 associated with a stone owned by German mining engineer and mineral collector Richard Baldauf [1848 -1931], Ocean Jasper was referred to as "augenjaspis" meaning 'eye jasper'.

Renewed interest in finding the deposit followed the publication in 1977 of a photo of a particularly striking stone.  It was published in a French encyclopaedia of minerals.

Twenty-two years later in 1999, the area where Ocean Jasper was originally found was rediscovered.  Being in such a remote location, it wasn't accessible by road so only became visible during low tide.

With the only access being by sea, large mechanical digging equipment could not be transported to the site.  The stone was therefore extracted by hand before being taken by boat to the nearest large town.

Ocean Jasper was first introduced to the world at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show in 2001.

Seven deposits have been found so far but most if not all, are now mined out.  The original deposit in Kabamby was exhausted by 2006.

Despite looking very different, Kabamby Ocean Jasper is often confused for Kambaba Jasper.  Kambaba Jasper is also known as Kabamba, after the area in the Bongolava region of Madagascar where it's found.

The distance between these locations is considerable. 

The two materials are very different but due to articles online being copied and reproduced, mostly inaccurately, facts about the two have become entwined.

Healing Properties Ocean Jasper

Ocean Jasper can be used as a worry bead to alleviate stress and tension and to soothe nerves.  It promotes honesty and gives the courage to address difficult situations and the strength to deal with them. 

Ocean Jasper's healing properties make it ideal for those who feel like they're carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders.  A stone of joy, it encourages a positive mood, strengthens will, and brings calmness to chaos.   

Ocean Jasper carries an energy of tranquillity and stability. It's visually captivating and reminds you of the importance of looking after yourself.

Being associated with the ocean it has great energy and power.  Ocean Jasper can help you navigate life's challenges with strength and resilience.

It encourages meaningful friendships and helps you distance yourself from those who drain your energy.

Ocean Jasper teaches the value of patience, especially when faced with situations out of your control.

It can help you break free from outdated beliefs and thought patterns. It prompts you to examine your conscience and question behaviours.  This reminds us that to grow and develop, the mind must remain open and curious.

The energy of Ocean Jasper can be particularly beneficial for those who engage in activities that demand strength, stamina and flexibility.

It can help overcome sleep problems related to anxiety and depression and calm irrational fears.

Ocean Jasper encourages you to trust your instincts, believe in your ability and cultivate a strong sense of self-worth.  

With its gentle, nurturing energies come warmth, love and deep emotional healing.

Article Pictures

The close-up images of Ocean Jasper are courtesy of Captain Tenneal.  They're clickable and redirect to the original image. 

The Ocean Jasper in our second picture is from our collection.

The pop-up photo of Kambaba Jasper is courtesy of Marco Campos-Venuti.