Ocean jasper has become one of my favorite stones to work with. As part of the quartz family this mineral is found only in one place - off the northwest coast of Madagascar, and it is mined by hand and at low tide only! This stone has such a pack of personality - each piece is dressing itself in its own unique style of colors and whimsical patterns. The colors are all over the place too; you’ll find red (caused by Hematite), light yellow or gray (caused by clay), brown or deep yellow (caused by Goethite), pink, peach, green, white, and black!
Here is a quote from a Lapidary Journal on this amazing stone:
"This new rock has been found along the northwest coast of Madagascar after years of unsuccessful searching. The deposit formed as a rhyolite flow but has been completely silicified. The rhyolitic eyes or orbs come in an astonishing array of colors and color combinations. The background can be white, pink, green, red, or yellow. Botryoidal formations as well as white and deep green druzy are also common.
Small pieces of this jasper have been brought to market over the years but no one could identify the source until Paul Obenich organized a systematic search of the northwest coast of Madagascar. The deposit has been discovered at the edge of the ocean. It can only be seen and collected at low tide. The area has no road so the material must be transported to civilization by boat. This wonderful new lapidary material is available from The Gem Shop, Inc. through Madagascar Minerals [Sogema-Madagascar Minerals]." - Lapidary Journal, Volume 54 Number 2, May 2000, Page 33
"This new rock has been found along the northwest coast of Madagascar after years of unsuccessful searching. The deposit formed as a rhyolite flow but has been completely silicified. The rhyolitic eyes or orbs come in an astonishing array of colors and color combinations. The background can be white, pink, green, red, or yellow. Botryoidal formations as well as white and deep green druzy are also common.
Small pieces of this jasper have been brought to market over the years but no one could identify the source until Paul Obenich organized a systematic search of the northwest coast of Madagascar. The deposit has been discovered at the edge of the ocean. It can only be seen and collected at low tide. The area has no road so the material must be transported to civilization by boat. This wonderful new lapidary material is available from The Gem Shop, Inc. through Madagascar Minerals [Sogema-Madagascar Minerals]." - Lapidary Journal, Volume 54 Number 2, May 2000, Page 33
This stone has also become a favorite for many mineral collectors. I can see why! One can get easily lost in a maze of colors and and patterns. Some of them don't even seem to be real or natural - they look like abstract paintings or cosmic scenery! I am totally and forever taken by this mineral and try to incorporate it in my jewelry pieces as much as I can! :-)
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