History
The word “jasper” is derived from the Greek word iaspi meaning “spotted stone,” related to the Hebrew jashpeh and the ancient Assyrian word ashpu. Jaspers were worn by Egyptian priests in amulets covered with inscriptions from their Book of the Dead and wrapped up with mummies for protection in the afterlife. The Minoans of Crete carved seals for the palace of Knossos of jasper.
Jasper was the 12th stone in the breastplate of the Hebrew High Priest, and is said to be the foundation stone of New Jerusalem. Some Native American tribes used jasper to dowse for water and to call rain.
Brecciated comes from “breccia”–a geology term used to identify rock composed of broken fragments cemented together into a fine-grained matrix. Brecciated jasper is made when the earth melds sharp-angled fragments of stone together, just like a hearty stew includes carrots, potatoes, onions and other chunks in a lentils base.
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