The New Student's Reference Work/Jasper

Jas′per, a mineral, regarded as one of the varieties of quartz. There are many kinds of jasper, some of one color, brown, red, yellow, green, white, blue or black, and some variously striped, spotted or clouded with different colors. It is a very abundant mineral, found in veins and imbedded in masses. It has been prized from the most ancient times for all kinds of ornamental purposes, and it takes a high polish. Many kinds are very beautiful, and it has not only been used for rings, seals and other small articles, but has been employed in the decoration of palaces. It is generally yellow, prettily mixed with brown.