Jasper Meaning: Here’s What It Means and How to Use It

You might have heard the word jasper used as somebody’s name, but did you know there’s another definition for this word? It’s not just a name — it’s a regular word too. 

Many people are unfamiliar with the word jasper and what it means. The word could potentially cause some confusion unless you’re familiar with it.

So, today’s word of the day is jasper. After reading this guide to the word jasper, you’ll have a full understanding of the word’s definition, where it came from, and how to use it in your speech and writing. Let’s get started. 

What’s the Definition of the Word Jasper?

The word jasper is important in the field of geology. It’s a beautiful type of mineral with several different varieties. Here’s the definition of the word jasper: 

• An impure, opaque variety of quartz that usually has a reddish, yellowish, or brownish color

Jasper falls under the category of minerals. It has been used throughout history to make various ornamental objects, including vases, ornamental boxes, decorative trimming, or even as a gemstone in a piece of jewelry. 

When you break a chunk of this mineral, it breaks off quite cleanly, leaving a brightly colored surface. Because of this, it can be extremely well polished and make for a brilliantly colored piece. 

It is considered to be an impure chalcedony, which means it is an impure variety of quartz. It is also a microcrystalline chert, meaning that it is a sedimentary rock that is formed from compressed quartz. 

Types of Jasper

Red jasper is perhaps the most common type of jasper due to its iron content, making it kind of like hematite. There is also yellow jasper, black jasper, and green jasper. There are several different varieties of jasper, including alladinite, creolite, Egyptian jasper, pastelite, and quetzalitztli. 

One of the more interesting qualities of this mineral is its imperfections. The sediment that surrounds the mineral will cause different veins of color to appear in the jasper, making for a dynamic, colorful, beautiful stone. 

The Name Jasper

Of course, on top of the title for the mineral, there is also the name Jasper. Jasper was one of the Cullen siblings in Twilight, but many people in the real world are also named Jasper. The name is particularly popular in Australia and England. 

Where Did the Word Jasper Come From?

The word jasper finds its roots in Greek and Latin, like so many words in the English language. One of its oldest ancestors is the Latin iaspis. Back then, the word had a slightly different definition. It simply meant “spotted stone.” 

From there, the word made its way into Old French in the form of the word jaspre. Then it evolved into the Middle English word jasper. In English, it has stayed in this form ever since and retained its definition. 

What’s the Spiritual Significance of Jasper?

Jasper also has some spiritual significance in different contexts. For starters, it is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible in the book of Exodus, serving as a stone that represented the tribe of Benjamin. It is also mentioned in the Book of Revelation. In addition, in the Chinese Zodiac, it is the gemstone of the rooster.

Many people also believe that the jasper stone has a more direct spiritual meaning and that it can actually bring healing to your mind and body. The positive energy from jasper is said to have certain metaphysical properties and healing properties that can result in both physical and emotional healing.

This precious stone can be a great protection stone, dispelling negative energies. It is said to provide feelings of wholeness and healing. 

People use jasper for its grounding energies which are said to help the digestive system. Some also say that it assists the immune system and helps restore body tissue.

Jasper is also a traditional birthstone for March.

The Zodiac

Jasper, specifically red jasper, also has important significance in the Chinese Zodiac. It is associated with your sacral and base chakras and with the earth element. It is also associated with the star signs of Aries, Virgo, and Scorpio. 

In the Zodiac, red jasper is said to help deal with stress and help to improve your overall tranquility and peace. 

What Are Some Examples of the Word Jasper in a Sentence?

Seeing how the word is used in context can help bring understanding to how you can use the word. Here are some examples of the word jasper being used in a sentence.

My favorite exhibit in the museum was those amulets that had jasper as the primary gemstone.

One of the rarest rocks in my collection is my ocean jasper, also called orbicular jasper or cellular jasper, which has a brilliant green color with a stunning yellow and brown dalmatian pattern.

In my office, I keep jasper for an improved sense of well-being, onyx for willpower, and agate for an improved mind. 

I love picture jasper for its wild inclusions of color, patterns, and complex impurities. 

Jasper is a mineral that is found all over the world, including in the US, Russia, and Madagascar.

I wanted a piece of jewelry with my birthstone, but I don’t really like aquamarine. So I went with jasper instead. 

The Word Jasper

Jasper is a beautiful mineral with incredible varieties in patterns, colors, and origins. It has been used throughout history for its beauty. It also holds spiritual significance for many people due to the healing properties it is said to posess. 

Now you know everything you need to know about the word jasper. Use it confidently in your conversation and your writing. If you need a refresher on the word jasper, just come back to this article for the information you need. 

Sources:

Fossil Jasper | Crystal Meanings 

​​Jasper | New World Encyclopedia 

Jasper: Mineral information, data, and localities | Hudson Institute of Mineralogy