Bindal Gems

Other Details

Imperial Jasper is a variety of Imperial Jasper that has an abundance of lines in its pattern. These types of lines, sometimes referred to as "streamers", are found in all the fine jaspers (Willow Creek, Morrisonite, etc.) but are very common in this variety of Imperial.  Streamers are formed when the jasper is fractured, which results either from stress or shrinkage. These fractures are then filled in and sealed with more jasper. An endless variety of patterns can result with subtle shifts in the color of the jasper filling these voids.   Imperial jasper nodules come from Mexico. It has a variety of colors, reds, greens, orange and more. It has great orbs and banding and sometimes bothRoyal Imperial Jasper comes from north of the border between Jalisco and Zacatecas, Mexico about 50 miles north of the city of Guadalajara. This material is found in small nodules with a soft white chalky "skin", as opposed to Imperial Jasper which is similar in colors but found in large veins and bigger pieces.  The Greek origin of the word jasper, iaspis, means "spotted stone." This form of semiprecious chalcedony, or micro crystalline quartz, is usually red, brown or green. Its patterns are much less regular and defined than those of the other chalcedony variety, agate. Another difference between the two is that jaspers are generally opaque, while agates tend to be translucent.