Imperial jasper
The stone of steadiness and grounding
A fine Mexican jasper with mottled patterns in pink, brown and green; known in tradition as a stone of steadiness, grounding and protection.
Imperial jasper is a fine-grained jasper from western Mexico, found on steep canyon slopes about fifty miles north-west of Guadalajara, near San Cristóbal. "Imperial" is a trade name, not a separate species: an opaque, microcrystalline quartz whose mineral content makes mottled, orbicular and web-like patterns in pink, salmon, brown, olive green and brick red. It takes a fine polish and is usually untreated, though cracked material is sometimes stabilised with resin.
General information
- Name
- Imperial jasper
- Mineral group
- Microcrystalline quartz (jasper)
- Chemical formula
- SiO₂
- Colours
- Pink, salmon and brown, olive green and brick red, in mottled and orbicular patterns
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 6.5–7
- Specific gravity
- 2.5–2.9
Zodiac signs
- Virgo
Traditional meaning
- Grounding: Traditionally gives a sense of steadiness underfoot.
- Protection: Traditionally seen as a protective stone that keeps its wearer company with a sense of safety.
- Nurturing: In tradition called the "supreme nurturer", a stone of care and patience.
- Patience: Traditionally linked with patience and perseverance.
- Inner calm: Traditionally helps keep a sense of calm on busy days.
Care
Durable: hardness 6.5–7 and no cleavage. Clean with lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid strong chemicals, and for resin-stabilised material also heat and steam.
Meanings, zodiac signs and elements come from various traditions. They are not scientific or medical information and differ between sources.