Orbicular jasper

Orbicular jasper is a variety of jasper which contains variably-colored orbs or spherical inclusions or zones. In highly silicified rhyolite or tuff, quartz and feldspar crystallize in radial aggregates of needle-like crystals which provide the basis or seed for the orbicular structure seen in this kind of jasper.^[1] The material is quite attractive when polished and is used as an ornamental stone or gemstone.

Orbicular jasper from Madagascar

Various local or commercial names have been used for the material, such as kinradite, oregonite, ocean jasper and poppy-patterned jasper, depending on the source. Poppy-patterned jasper or poppy jasper is the varietal name for material from several locations, but the most well known is from Morgan Hill, Santa Clara County, California.^[2] The trade name Ocean Jasper is used for a variety found along the intertidal shores of northeast Madagascar.^[3][4] In Nebraska orbicular jasper is found in altered rhyolite beds noted for a variety of jaspers and related agates.

Gallery

• 
  Unpolished poppy jasper, Morgan Hill
• 
  Madagascar orbicular jasper (detail)

References

1. "Nebraska". America's Volcanic Past. United States Geological Survey. Archived from the original on 5 March 2014. Retrieved 28 February 2014.
2. Hohmann, James (12 November 2006). "City pride built on poppy jasper". San Jose Mercury News. Archived from the original on 9 March 2021. Retrieved 28 February 2014.
3. "OCEAN JASPER Trademark Application of Enter the Earth, Inc". Serial Number 90525918 :: Justia Trademarks. 21 September 2021. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
4. Green, J.A. (2024). The Crystal Collector: How to build a lifelong collection of precious stones. David & Charles. p. 14. ISBN 978-1-4463-1338-1. Retrieved 31 October 2024.

External links

• R. V. Dietrich – Gemrocks
• Mindat with location data
• Agate variety names – University of Nebraska-Lincoln