The first Foundation Stone of New Jerusalem.

‘Jasper’ comes from the Greek word ‘iaspis’, which is a derivation of the Hebrew word ‘yashepheh’, coming from a root word meaning ‘to polish’. In fact, one of the characteristics of jasper is that it is able to take a high polish and was used in ancient times as mantles, pillars, vases, and other interior decorations. Pliny the Elder, who lived and wrote around the same time that the book of Revelation was written, describes iaspis as ‘being green and often transparent’, which is of interest since today we consider jasper to be opaque.

Jasper is a variety of chalcedony, a cryptocrystalline variety of quartz (having crystals so small they cannot be seen even with a microscope). Jasper is usually striped or spotted and is found all over the world. Jasper sometimes looks like a landscape painting (called Landscape, Picture, or Scenic Jasper) and has been used for intaglio carvings. Another type of Jasper (Bloodstone Jasper) is usually dark to medium green with small spots of red scattered throughout, first found and highly prized in India. It has been said that it originated when Christ's blood fell to the ground and was scattered on the rocks under the Cross, which is a nice story, but bloodstone was used and prized in India long before Christ's birth. Nevertheless, many early Christians wore it to remind them of Christ's sacrifice. The other pattern we sell in our jewelry is Leopardskin, an orbicular jasper which has orbital concentric rings. Leopardskin rings are usually tan and resembles the spots on a leopard. There are many other types of Jasper, far too many to describe here.

Stones made of jasper have been treasured throughout history for their value, usually as an amulet, by all ancient peoples including the American Indians and one of the tribes of Israel. In ancient times it was used in seals and to ward off drought. For those who wore jasper close to their bodies, it was believed that jasper could enhance the wearer's global awareness. It also supposedly helps bring hidden thoughts, fears and hopes to surface. The stones are reported to get more personal and stronger the longer they are worn, helping us attract what we need rather than what we may want. Legend says that Jasper would drive away evil spirits and protect against snake and spider bites. In the fourth century, it was thought to bring about the rain. Jasper is protective. It can align all the chakras and balance yin yang energies, it is stabilizing and healing.

Andreas, bishop of Caesurae, is one of the earliest writers to associate the apostles with the symbolism of the gemstones given in Revelations. He gives a brief description of the stones, which is recounted in George F. Kunz's book 'The Curious Lore of Precious Stones' (1913). Jasper that is a greenish hue, like an emerald, signifies St. Peter.