Jasper Meaning: Types of Jasper, Properties & Benefits
Jasper is an opaque, earthy stone known as the "supreme nurturer". Its meaning is grounding, strength and steady comfort: it is said to keep you calm and centred, give you courage and endurance, and connect you with the energy of the earth. It comes in almost every colour and pattern, from fiery red jasper to the swirling blues and greens of imperial jasper and the landscapes of picture jasper, and it is most closely linked with the root chakra.
Jasper has been loved for thousands of years, and it is one of the most varied stones on Earth: no two pieces are ever quite the same. In this guide we'll look at what jasper is, its meaning and properties, the most popular types of jasper, and how to wear and care for it.
Jasper at a Glance
| Property | Description |
| Also called | The supreme nurturer |
| Mineral | A form of chalcedony (microcrystalline quartz) coloured by other minerals |
| Colour | Red, brown, yellow, green, blue and many patterned mixes |
| Hardness | 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale |
| Lustre | Glassy to dull when unpolished |
| Transparency | Opaque |
| Chakra | Root (red jasper also sacral) |
| Zodiac | Red jasper: Aries and Scorpio; picture jasper: Capricorn |
| Main sources | Found worldwide, including India, Brazil, Madagascar, Australia and the USA |
✧ Shop jasper ✧
Earthy, grounding and full of character. Every piece is made in Cornwall, vegan and cruelty free.
What Is Jasper?
Jasper is a form of chalcedony, the same mineral family as agate, made of quartz crystals far too tiny to see. What makes jasper special is everything else that gets caught up in it as it forms: iron oxides, clay, ash and other minerals. They are what give jasper its earthy colours and its spots, swirls, stripes and scenes. Agate is usually translucent; jasper is always opaque.
Its name comes from the ancient Greek iaspis, and jasper appears in the earliest jewellery we know of. It was carved into seals and amulets in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, and it is one of the twelve stones said to have been set in the breastplate of the high priest in the Bible.
Jasper Meaning
Jasper is the stone of steady, nurturing strength. Where some crystals feel light and airy, jasper feels solid and reassuring, like a hand on your shoulder. It is said to bring calm in stressful times, give you the endurance to keep going, and help you feel grounded and whole. It is a lovely stone for anyone who needs a little extra stamina, patience or courage.
Jasper Spiritual Meaning
Spiritually, jasper is linked with the root chakra and the energy of the earth. It is a classic grounding stone for meditation, helping you feel present and connected to nature. Many people also keep jasper by the bed, as it is said to help with remembering dreams.
Jasper Properties and Benefits
- Grounding: keeps you calm, centred and connected to the earth.
- Endurance: known as a stone of stamina and determination for long days and big goals.
- Courage: red jasper in particular is loved for confidence and bravery.
- Calm: its steady energy is said to ease worry and bring balance.
- Protection: traditionally carried as a protective stone.
- Creativity: picture and Picasso jasper are loved by artists and makers.
Types of Jasper
Jasper comes in more varieties than almost any other stone. Some names are geological and some are trade names, but each has its own character:
- Red jasper: the classic brick red jasper, coloured by iron. The stone of courage, stamina and passion, linked with the root and sacral chakras and with Aries. Our red jasper leaf necklace is a lovely everyday piece.
- Imperial jasper: swirling, banded stone in bright colours such as ocean blue, teal, green and orange, loved for stability and inner calm. See our imperial jasper bracelets.
- Picture jasper: creamy brown stone with patterns that look like tiny desert landscapes. It is said to connect you with the earth and spark your imagination. We carve it into our picture jasper wolf necklace.
- Picasso jasper: painterly black and grey brushstrokes on a cream or pink background, a favourite for creativity and joy.
- Ocean jasper: found on the coast of Madagascar, with round "eyes" and swirls in green, white and pink. A stone of calm and self care.
- Dalmatian jasper: creamy white with black spots, a cheerful stone of playfulness and loyalty.
- Mookaite jasper: from Western Australia, in mottled reds, yellows and purples, linked with adventure and decision making.
- Fossil jasper: jasper with fossil patterns, loved for its connection with the ancient past.
Jasper and the Zodiac
Red jasper is the classic stone for Aries and Scorpio, boosting their natural courage and drive, while picture jasper is linked with steady, practical Capricorn. Find your own stones in our zodiac guide.
How to Use Jasper
- Wear it: a jasper bracelet or necklace keeps its steady energy with you all day. Our imperial jasper bead bracelets stack beautifully together.
- Meditate with it: hold a piece of red or picture jasper to feel grounded and present.
- Keep it at home: place jasper in a busy room or by the front door for a calm, settled feel.
- Pair it: combine it with carnelian for courage and motivation, or with smoky quartz and obsidian for extra grounding.
How to Cleanse and Care for Jasper
Jasper is hard and durable, so it is happy in everyday jewellery. Cleanse it with a quick rinse under running water, with sound, smoke or moonlight, then dry it gently. Avoid long spells in strong sunlight, which can fade some colours over time. Read more in our guides to cleansing crystals and charging crystals.
Jasper FAQs
What does jasper mean spiritually?
Spiritually, jasper is a stone of grounding and nurturing strength. It is linked with the root chakra and the energy of the earth, and it is said to bring calm, courage and endurance.
What is jasper good for?
Jasper is loved for grounding, stamina, courage and calm. It is a steady, comforting stone for busy or stressful times.
What is the difference between jasper and agate?
Both are forms of chalcedony. Agate is usually translucent and banded, while jasper is opaque and coloured by other minerals.
What chakra is jasper?
Jasper is linked with the root chakra. Red jasper is also linked with the sacral chakra.
Which zodiac sign is red jasper for?
Red jasper is linked with Aries and Scorpio, and picture jasper with Capricorn.
Can jasper go in water?
Yes. Jasper is hard, so a quick rinse is fine. Dry it afterwards and avoid soaking it for long periods.
How many types of jasper are there?
There are dozens. Some of the best known are red, imperial, picture, Picasso, ocean, Dalmatian and mookaite jasper.
Explore more: discover more earthy stones in our guides to agate, tiger's eye and bloodstone, or find more strength in our crystals for energy. New to crystals? Start with our crystals for beginners guide or discover every stone in our A-Z crystal guide.
Keep reading: our guides to serpentine and yellow agate.
Leave a comment