August 7, 2021  /  Uncategorized

What makes Ocean Jasper so special?

What is Ocean Jasper?

Ocean Jasper or Orbicular Jasper is a particularly beautiful and very rare form of Jasper. It only comes from one place in the world, northwestern Madagascar. It is found in the Analalava district of the Sofia region in the former province of Mahajanga. There are actually two different deposits, about ten miles apart near the villages of Marovato and Kambaby. First discovered in 1922 the location was lost for over 75 years until it was rediscovered by Paul Obenich. Originally called Ocean Jasper as most of the early material was found at low tide on the seashore and the patterns of colours resembled the flow of water. The two mines that produced all the Ocean Jasper were mined out in 2006 and closed. All the Ocean Jasper material that exists is from these two sources and material being sold as new comes from old stocks and collections that have been stored until now.

Part of the reason for its ever increasing price is the simple fact that there is no longer any new supply of this lovely and unique stone. Geologically Ocean Jasper was considered to be a spherulitic variety of orbicular jasper, which contains variably colored orbs or spherical inclusions or zones. Like other jaspers, the rock is characterized by the presence of spherical aggregates a few mm in diameter that are called spherulites or orbs. These microstructures formed during the alteration of former tuffs or rhyolites, accompanied by extensive deposition of SiO₂. According to Enter the Earth, the company who own and mined the sites Ocean Jasper is actually a form of Chalcedony. The material has been ethically mined from shallow surface shafts that are then backfilled and restored to a natural state. The company also worked with local communities to plant mango and lemon groves during the rainy season when mining is impossible. They also built a local school and health centre and funded education and health services for local children and families.

Metaphysical Properties of Ocean Jasper

Known as the Atlantis Stone’ it is is closely linked to the ocean (literally given the location of the only mines where this has been found).  The rhythmic cadence of the sea has always called humanity to its shores, to breathe its essence, feel its gentle power, and to lay one’s burdens aside. Ocean Jasper brings that same spirit of peace and letting go, of breathing deeply and consciously, attuning to Nature and being physically and spiritually present in one’s surroundings.  It is also linked to spiritual wisdom, exploration of past lives and reclaiming mystic knowledge.  A polished sphere of Ocean Jasper is a great aid to meditation, healing and grounding.  Bringing stress relief, calmness and soothing qualities it makes a wonderful worry stone! Use Ocean Jasper as a talisman of patience, for oneself as well as for others. It enkindles a gentle and gradual release of pent-up anger and clears emotional blockages. I absolutely love the energy of this stone and it remains one of my all time favourites.

Ocean Jasper activates and aligns our solar plexus, heart, and throat chakras. This highly energetic channel allows one the ability to combine their will with their emotions, pushing one to achieve joy, happiness and emotional stability. Ocean Jasper helps one release any weight or strains one may carry on their heart, and urges you to vocalize and move forward from these emotional issues. Just like the water that helped create this magical stone, one must be willing to “go with the flow” when accepting this stones energy.

Ocean Jasper is a perfect stone to help one heal and find resolution with their emotions, relationships, and most importantly, themselves. We suggest bringing this stone with you whenever you are discussing sensitive feelings that have been locked away within. It’s a perfect stone to slip into your pocket before your next therapy appointment, or can even serve as a talisman one uses to help break down the barriers in highly valued relationships. We also recommend this stone to couples who can’t seem to build the right chemistry within their relationship. Ocean Jasper helps one become more positive and comfortable with themselves, while also being able to express their true self with ease.

Ocean Jasper can be a variety of colour combinations but should include the characteristic orbicular formations of Feldspar or Quartz.  Druzy inclusions are exceptionally desirable and we do search for those for you! It is a spherulitic variety of Chalcedony with micro-crystallized Quartz colored by oxides, iron and other impurities which make these lovely and eye catching minerals for any home.