PICTURE JASPER POLISHED SLABS

Picture jasper is a variety of jasper characterized by patterning reminiscent of a scenic painting. Traditionally, this form has inclusions that produce a layered pattern that creates the illusion of a landscape within the specimen. For the true beauty of these formations to be revealed, the nodule must be cut and polished to achieve the desired effect. Picture jasper is a favorite of lapidarists worldwide: the material is easily cut, polished, shaped, and is exciting throughout, meaning there is little waste! Many picture jasper specimens depart from the dull red coloring typical of jasper, instead inviting blue and green into their scenic displays.

Picture jasper’s landscapes are a result of depositional banding during formation. These layers are influenced by water flow and wind in addition to coloring and dendritic patterning dictated by the compositions of inclusions.