Fancy Jasper Tumble Beads

Jasper is from the chalcedony/quartz group. It is a microcrystalline variety of quartz that contains up to 20% foreign material - These materials are what determine the color and appearance of the stone. Also because of the foreign materials, jasper is rarely uniform in color, it is usually multicolored, striped, and/or spotted. The term "jasper" itself comes from the Greek work iaspi, meaning "spotted stone." Jasper, a form of chalcedony, is an opaque impure variety of silica. Jasper occurs in virtually any color, stemming from the mineral content of the original sediments or ash. All Jasper is believed to help balance energy levels, particularly in the lower parts of the body. It is also considered a protective stone, bringing courage and self confidence.