Jasper: Mayan Porcelain
Mayan Porcelain Jasper is a gorgeous gemstone with breathtaking white, purple, and black hues that create artistic one-of-a-kind patterns. It is no wonder that it's called the "Queen of Jaspers."
Jasper is one of the many gemstones that belong to the quartz family. It is an opaque and impure variety of silicon dioxide. The name 'jasper' comes from the Greek word for 'spotted stone,' which refers to the stone's multicolored, striped, spotted or flamed appearance. Jasper is a dense substance which can be made of up to 20 percent of foreign materials. Because of these impurities, jasper is rarely uniformly formed. Mayan Porcelain Jasper is a striking stone named for the ancient Maya civilization that reigned over southern Mexico, the Yucatan Peninsula and the northern part of Central America during the pre-Columbian era. Some Mayan artifacts have been carbon dated to as far back as 2600 BCE. The Maya people may be well known today for their astronomic calendar, but these ancient people have long been admired for their enduring art, advanced architecture, innovative math and astronomy systems. Rare stones, like this porcelain jasper, were esteemed by the Maya elite. The stones were difficult to acquire, so possessing such treasures helped solidify a Maya noble's position in society. Mayan Porcelain Jasper owes its striking beauty to its exceptional swirl of colors. Porcelain white, smoky purple, and inky black create a unique, natural pattern within each piece. A brecciated stone, this form of jasper features different stone fragments fused together over millions of year to form one beautiful stone. Mayan Porcelain Jasper is a gift from Mother Nature that is sure to inspire and free the mind.
- Ancient civilizations believed that the cosmos was reflected in gemstones. Jasper was assigned to the planets Mars and Pluto. Jasper is linked to the Zodiac Earth sign of Virgo.
- The Maya civilization believed that porcelain jasper was bestowed with magical powers.
- Porcelain jasper is used by shamans for protection and is said to absorb negative energy.
- It is considered a sacred stone by Native Americans.
- According to the Bible, jasper was a gift from God and would be the first foundation stone of the New Jerusalem.
- Jasper is ideal for balancing energies associated with the base or root chakra. Porcelain jasper is said to energize the aura and connects to the solar plexus chakra.
- Jasper is considered to be the 'supreme nurturer' stone. It helps its wearer through tough times and brings tranquility and feelings of well-being. It is believed to unite all aspects of one's life.
- Crystal healers use jasper to re-energize the body and alleviate symptoms of prolonged illness, especially cancer of the tissue or blood.
LOCATION: Mexico
Jasper gemstones can be found in many locations around the world. Some of the most notable deposits are sourced from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Madagascar, Mexico, Russia, Uruguay, Venezuela and the United States. Mayan porcelain jasper is scattered throughout the lands which were once ruled by the Maya, including Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras and El Salvador.
We source our Mayan porcelain jasper from Guatemala, which produces some of the best quality porcelain jasper, as well as the Sierra Madre Mountains of Sonora, Mexico. The Tarahumra tribe of Sonora separated from the Mayan tribe around 950 AD, and many tribesmen mine porcelain jasper in Northwestern Mexico today.
- Ranks 7.0 on the Mohs hardness scale.
- Colors show an opaque swirl of white, purple and black with a vitreous luster.
- Sourced from Guatemala and Mexico.
- A member of the quartz family.
- Also known as Exotica jasper and Sci Fi jasper.
- Jasper is linked to the zodiacal sign of Virgo.
- 100 percent natural stone; no additional treatments.
