The term 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.
Brecciated jasper contains hematite, an iron compound, which gives it both its red tones & the dark bands. It is primarily deep red; veined or patterned with brown, black and beige, & may contain clear crystal inclusions.
Jasper is a variety of quartz that may contain up to 20 percent foreign materials or inclusions, including organic material & mineral oxides, which determine the color, pattern & appearance of the stone. Uniformly colored Jasper is uncommon but not unheard of; usually Jasper is multicolored, spotted or banded. This stone is opaque, even in thin slices, & takes a high polish. Different types of jasper display different lusters.
Brecciated Jasper is thought to provide mental clarity & focus to its wearer. The uplifting stone may help to increase organization and decrease stress. Jaspers in general have been viewed as symbolizing the variety that is the Earth, and all the balance and grounding that implies.
