Gemstones beginning with J

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• This index includes a wide variety of information about all of the gemstones from which our wholesale beads are made, including some that are not currently stocked but might be reordered in the future.
• Stones are listed in alphabetical order, grouped by family; for instance, Botswana Agate is listed under Agate, and Red Snowflake Obsidian under Obsidian.
• The "also known as" (aka) listings are often misnomers; we're just letting you know of other names we've seen (right or wrong!).
• To the best of our knowledge, all of our gemstones are natural and untreated, unless otherwise noted.
• We use the term "dyed" to describe stones to which color has been added through some process or another. The stone coloring process does not necessarily involve a colorant like those used for cloth.

	Jade Jade is a name that for centuries was applied to ornamental gemstones people were bringing to Europe from China and Central America. It wasn't until 1863 that society realized the term "jade" was being applied to two different minerals. The two exquisite minerals are relatively hard to distinguish from each other, and so even today both are still called jade. The first mineral, nephrite, is an amphibole silicate (basic magnesium iron silicate) in the actinolite series and is usually only green and creamy white. The second, jadeite, is a sodium aluminum silicate that can have the full range of colors known as jade. Varieties of serpentine have also been confused with true jade throughout history. The confusion continues today, since the Chinese word for jade, “yu,” is applied to a variety of minerals that are suitable for jewelry-making and carving, including serpentine, agate and quartz. In translation, all true jade (jadeite and nephrite) is yu, but not all yu is what Westerners would consider true jade. Jade has been treasured in China as the royal gemstone since at least 2950 B.C. According to archeological findings, the Chinese began using jade in the early Neolithic Age (starting around 10,000 B.C.). The ancient Chinese believed jade was the essence of heaven and earth, and carved jade into birds and beasts to use as items of worship. Jade was also a symbol of power, and only aristocrats could own items made from the gemstone. It was even established as a standard of morality for the Chinese. Confucius concluded that jade had 11 virtues, including benevolence, fidelity, etiquette, wisdom and sincerity. Hence, jade was not only a decoration, but also a symbol of ethics and behavior. Wearing jade accessories soon became fashionable, and it was said that a true gentleman would never leave his jade ornaments behind. The Chinese even consumed powdered jade as a remedy for just about every ailment known, and drank it at the time of death as a powerful embalming solution. In Central America, the Olmecs, Mayans and Toltecs also treasured jade and used it for carvings and masks. The Aztecs instituted a tax on jade, which unfortunately led to the recycling of earlier artworks. Although prehistoric axes and blades carved from jade have been found in Europe, most Europeans were unfamiliar with jade as a gemstone for use in jewelry until the 16th century, when jade objects were imported from China and, later, Central America. The Portuguese, who brought back jade pieces from their settlement in China, called jade piedre de ilharga, or gemstone of the loins, because they believed it to be a strong medicine for kidney ailments. The Spanish adapted their own version of this phrase, piedra de hijada, when jade objects were brought home from the New World. This term soon became the French ejade, and then finally, the English "jade." Jade's appearance is warm, approachable and desirable, admired for both its simplicities and complexities. Jade is said to help protect the kidneys, heart, larynx, liver, spleen, thymus and thyroid. It also is believed to strengthen the body and increase longevity, and is known as a symbol of love and virtue. Jade is mined in China, Canada, Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, Taiwan and the U.S.A.
		Afghan Jade (-141) This green and yellow gemstone is an exotic form of serpentine. It is mined in Afghanistan, then carved into beads in Asia.
		African Jade (-096) aka Buddstone, Garnet Jade, Grossular Garnet, South African Jade, Transvaal Jade This gemstone is mined in the reaches of Africa, and for this reason gets its name. It is not a real jade, but actually an opaque grossular garnet that resembles jade. Grossular garnet is a silicate of calcium and aluminum. It is used as an inexpensive substitute for jade, and is often a mix of colors including white, light green and pink. The term "grossular" comes from the Latin word for "gooseberry," as the stone's pale green color resembles that of a gooseberry.
		Antiqued Jade aka Bowenite, Soochow Jade, Soo Chow Jade This lovely enhanced stone, often beautifully carved, is neither antique nor jade. It is most likely bowenite, a form of serpentine that is very similar to nephrite jade. Usually the specific gravity of the stones must be tested to tell the two apart. The Maori people of New Zealand use bowenite, along with nephrite jade, for tools, weapons and ornaments. In China, bowenite is mined in the Soochow region, hence the name Soochow jade. The earthy colors in our antiqued jade are achieved with dye.
		B.C. Jade (-143) B.C. jade has a mossy, medium-green color. Its name suggests that it is a nephrite jade found in British Columbia, Canada. Even though B.C jade is readily available from the Canadian mines, much of the stone marketed as B.C Jade is dyed stone, typically made from the stones referred to as "white jade" or the serpentine called "new jade." Due to the popularity of this color in Taiwan, some stones marked B.C. jade may actually be Taiwan jade (another true nephrite jade) dyed darker to match the jade mined in Canada. Without extensive testing, it is difficult to tell the difference between these stones.
		Burma Jade Aka Jadeite, Myanmar Jade, Imperial Jade Burma jade is the real deal — true jadeite. Highly valued for its hardness and ability to be intricately carved, jadeite is the rarer of the two types of jade, and therefore more expensive. The jadeite mines of Upper Burma (now Myanmar) occupy a privileged place in the world of gemstones, as they are the principal source of top-grade material. The mines are aggressively protected by armed soldiers. The discovery that green jade of fine quality occurred in northern Burma was made accidentally by a small trader from the Chinese province of Yunnan in the 13th century. Historical accounts hold that upon returning from a journey across the frontier, the man picked up a piece of stone to balance the load on his mule. The stone proved to be jade of great value, and a large party went back to procure more of it. This errand was unsuccessful, however, as no one could inform them of where the stone had been found. Another equally fruitless attempt to find the stone was made by the Yunnan government in the 14th century; all members of the expedition, it is said, perished from malaria or at the hands of hostile hill tribes. For several centuries after, the Chinese made no further exploration into the jade country. But in 1784, a prolonged period of hostility between Burma and China ended, and regular trade between the two countries commenced. Before long, adventurous Chinese bands discovered that the jade-producing districts were located on the right bank of the Uru River. But impossible roads, malaria and an unsettled country prevented expansion of the trade. About 20 or 30 Chinese ventured there each season, and only a small number returned. In the Chinese temple at Amarapura, funeral rites are paid yearly for the 6,000 men listed as having died in Burma since the early 1900s; the majority are believed to have died searching for jade. The roll, which includes only well-known and substantial traders, would be much larger if it included the all the other adventurers who perished in the same enterprise. In the 1890s through the 1930s, a handful of British and other European adventurers made the journey to Burma's remote jade mines and wrote down their findings. Nevertheless, the region remained a backwater until World War II, when the Japanese invaded. Owners of the mines fled when the Japanese came in, so the mine supervisors figured they were in charge. It didn't take long for some enterprising American officers serving as advisors to Chinese units to see possibilities for making a quick fortune in the mines. One Army officer on the scene wrote that a fellow soldier showed him a sack containing 60 large jade pieces he had picked up, estimated at $500,000 today. In 1962, the Ne Win-led military coup shut the world out of the area, and the Burma jade mines reopened only recently. Jade researcher Richard Hughes writes that, amazingly, little in that part of Myanmar has changed since the earliest written reports. Jade continues to be mined and worked mainly by primitive methods.
		Candy Jade These beads are a natural, hard white stone that has either been dyed a solid, vibrant color or has been covered with bright splotches of dye. Its hues are a confection of colors that just might tempt your sweet tooth (some look like saltwater taffy!). These colors can include pink, purple, green and yellow. The stone used is not a true jade, but closely resembles white jade. The dye is applied through a chemical process after the bead is cut. A vendor tells us the color is irradiated and permanent. We just had to test it, so we placed candy jade in a window for over a year and the color did not fade.
		Green Jade (-016) aka China Jade This gemstone is a milky, light opaque green and is a form of serpentine.
		Korean Jade The greenish-yellow color of this stone leads many to believe it is a serpentine, specifically a form called bowenite. However, experts say Korean jade is actually actinolite, a silicate of the amphibole (tremolite) family and more closely related to true jade. While actinolite is associated with bowenite serpentine, it is more fibrous and a bit harder. Reportedly, in the late 1970s, the jade seam on the Korean peninsula began to run into the demilitarized zone, and mining had to stop. For this reason, Korean jade is not very common on the market today.
		Lemon Jade (-083) This form of serpentine is bright, citrus yellow with a slight green tint.
		Nephrite aka Grave Jade, New Zealand Greenstone, New Zealand Jade, Spinach Jade, Tomb Jade Nephrite is the more common of the two minerals commonly known as jade. The amount of iron present determines its color. Low iron levels create lighter colors like white, cream and pale gray, while higher levels produce darker grays and greens. Nephrite's name comes from the Latin lapis nephriticus, meaning "kidney stone," since it was often worn to remedy diseases of the kidneys.
		New Jade (-123) aka Bowenite This pale, celery-colored gemstone is a type of serpentine.
		Olive Jade (-071) aka Peridot Stone Every bit the color of an olive, this yellowish-green gemstone is aptly named. However, it is serpentine, not jade.
		Tree Jade (-164) With its bright-green coloring and cloudy white flecks, this gemstone imparts a springtime feeling. As to its origin, we have no clue what stone it really is!
		Yellow Jade (-162) aka Butterscotch Agate This gemstone is a golden-colored form of serpentine.
	Jasper The Greek origin of the word jasper, iaspis, means "spotted stone." This form of semiprecious chalcedony, or microcrystalline quartz, is usually red, brown or green. Its patterns are much less regular and defined than those of the other chalcedony variety, agate. Another difference between the two is that jaspers are generally opaque, while agates tend to be translucent (or at least contain translucent bands). This distinction stems from the stones' composition. Jasper contains microscopic "grains" of crystalline quartz and agate has microscopic "fibers" of crystalline quartz. Although the term jasper is often applied to unidentified stones, true jaspers are metamorphic rocks.Jasper derives its colorful patterns from other minerals present, and is often named according to its pattern. It has a dull luster but takes a fine polish, and its hardness and other physical properties are those of quartz. Jasper is often sealed with petroleum products. Its polish might wash away in water, so clean with a soft, dry cloth. The gem was a favorite in the ancient world, and the name jasper can be traced back in Hebrew, Assyrian, Persian, Greek and Latin. In the fourth century, it was called the great "rain-bringer," and it has been thought to strengthen the stomach and cure gynecological troubles. Some also use it to drive away evil spirits and protect against snake and spider bites. It supposedly gives you the courage to speak out and the bravery to achieve personal independence. Landscape jaspers are amongst the most popular varieties. Jasper is mined in North Africa, Sicily, France, India, Venezuela, Germany, the U.S.A. and elsewhere.
	For more jasper gemstones, see dalmatiner, mookaite, prase, onyx, African turquoise
		African Map Jasper aka Spotted Jasper A variety of jasper that has markings much like giraffes, cheetahs and hyenas in Africa. This stone can have spots in tan, black and a variety of browns ranging from a reddish-brown to cappuccino.
		Black Silver Leaf Jasper Black silver leaf jasper shares silver leaf jasper's patterns of lines and bands of earthy colors, but is generally darker and rarely includes shades of red.
		Blue Snowflake Sodalite (-068) aka Gold Spot Sodalite This gemstone, while named for its similarity to sodalite, is a actually a jasper. With natural, copper-colored flecks sprinkled in random, cozy nooks of each bead, it reminds us of snowflakes falling against a vivid sky, with the sun peeking through where it can!
		Brown Zebra Jasper This stone is cream-colored with reddish-brown striped markings.
		Bruneau Jasper A generally red and green gemstone, deposits of this jasper are found about 50 miles south of Bruneau in Owyhee County, Idaho, U.S.A. It also comes in color combinations of browns to tans and ivory, in both spherical and oval patterns. It is said to be an excellent gemstone for meditation.
		Elephant Jasper Although not a true jasper, this reddish-brown stone with yellow and brown spots is established in the marketplace as jasper, so we've kept its recognized name. It is a natural conglomerate of ancient bivalve shells, sand and limonite (an iron ore similar to hematite).
		Fancy Jasper (-095) aka India Agate This gemstone is an opaque creamy beige or gray stone with lavender, green, pink, orange or red swirls and specks. It is said to facilitate tranquility and help eliminate worry and depression. It also might bring mental clarity.
		Fire Jasper (-188) Fire jasper stands out with earthy shades of red, terra cotta, gray and brown.
		Flower Jasper (-021) aka Fancy Jasper Flower jasper is a whimsical gemstone; its cream base is swirled with gray, mauve, raspberry and mustard. This stone is currently very difficult to find on the market. It is said to lift spirits, soothe a broken heart (by activating the heart chakra) and help one break out of depression.
		Gray Jasper (-165) This ash-colored gemstone is decorated with reddish-brown and white patches.
		Green Jasper This verdant stone is considered the great balancer, connecting the physical and spiritual sides of a person. Mystics note that it doesn't follow the usual properties of green, such as fertility.
		Green Leaf Jasper aka Chinese Writing Stone, Firework Jasper The geometric pale green patterns against its deep green background bring to mind a tree in the afternoon shade.
		Green Zebra Jasper This gemstone has jagged banding of hunter-to-mint green and snow white. Mystics say the light stripes inspire faith, joy and optimism, while the dark sections inspire endurance, confidence and strength. It is said to ease depression and steady mood swings.
		Harmony Jasper aka Dumar Stone, Lotus Jasper, Peace Jasper, Peace Stone The soothing greens and mottled whites of this gemstone remind us of the surf crumbling on the beach. Some beads also include patches of gray, pink or lavender.
		Imperial Purple Jasper (-076) This regal jasper is rich with purples, browns and beiges. It exhibits a combination of spots, swirls and spindly matrix. Imperial purple jasper is found in South Africa.
		Itasy Jasper There are several stones on the market with the name itasy jasper. Some, like ours, are composed of pastel shades and varying patterns of tan, gray, cream, white and peach; others include deeper shades of red and yellow and look similar to what we call fancy jasper. The name itasy comes from a volcano in Madagascar and the surrounding region. However, we have been unable to verify this jasper is actually mined in the vicinity of Itasy.
		Kambaba Jasper aka Brecciated Army Jasper, Camo Stone This exotic jasper hails from Africa. It contains a jumbled jungle of forest green, mint green, black and brown. Its pattern includes speckles and concentric rings. Mystics believe it will soothe the nerves and state of mind. It is purported to be beneficial for plant growth and health, particularly in arid environments or where the soil is poor. Healers say kambaba jasper helps dietary stabilization, assimilation of vitamins and minerals and cleansing the body of toxins.
		Leopardskin Jasper (-041) Often referred to as a jasper, this stone includes feldspar minerals, which means it is actually a rhyolite. It is mottled with red, yellow, brown and pinkish spots like the fur of a leopard. It is considered a wonderful gemstone for bringing wanted things into your life. It also may enhance your total vibration, stabilizing the heart and solar plexus areas.
		Mexican Zebra Jasper (-077) aka Black and White Zebra Jasper This black-and-white, jaggedly-striped gemstone from Mexico is actually a calcite. It has become known as jasper on the market (likely because its irregular pattern resembles that of jasper), so we've kept its recognized name.
		Muddy Jasper Our muddy jasper is characterized by its rich caramel coloring and mottled patterns of gray, cream and dark brown.
		Ocean Jasper (-088) aka Fisheye Jasper, Orbicular Jasper This gemstone is silicified (transformed into silica) rhyolite flow from the northwest coast of Madagascar. It is reminiscent of foam as it recedes back into the ocean, with its wavy patterns of green-gray, white, cream, beige, brown, pink and maroon. It even sometimes flaunts the iridescent white circles so intrinsic to sea spray. Ocean jasper is believed to teach responsibility and patience, as well as help regulate breathing for meditation.
		Paintbrush Jasper aka Artistic Jasper, Crazy Horse Stone, Nature's Paintbrush Jasper, Red Paintbrush Jasper The delicate play of dark lines across a light background, which remarkably look as though they were painted by a human hand, earned this stone its descriptive name. Color from the well-defined strokes fans out the same way watercolors and India ink spread across paper. The stone even exhibits paint "splotches" and dotted "splatters." The lines are usually black, brown or red and the stone itself white, tan, gray or pink. Although it is often called jasper, these beads are made out of a calcite or calcium carbonate (commonly referred to as limestone) and stabilized with resin.
		Picture Jasper (-034) This petrified mud has streaks of color (usually shades of brown) that look like landscapes, anything from desert sand dunes to rocky mountains to a dry riverbed. It is formed by mud rich with quartz that oozed and dripped into pockets of gas formed by molten lava. The heat from the exposure turns the mud solid almost instantly. Picture jasper is found in Idaho and Oregon (U.S.A). It has been used as a psychological tool: the researcher will ask a client who is "looking for an answer" to gaze into the stone and describe all the symbols he sees. The researcher then works with the client to form the symbols into some sort of answer. Picture jasper is said to help with the re-evaluation of life's issues. It is also believed to facilitate development and continuance of business pursuits and activities.
		Poppy Jasper (-049) aka Brecciated Jasper, Poppy Seed Jasper A red, pink and black gemstone, poppy jasper is so named because it looks like a bunch of pink and red poppies. It is said to bring attunement to animals and heal animal allergies.
		Rainbow Jasper aka African Rainbow Jasper This red, brown and tan jasper is found in northern California (U.S.A) and South Africa. A "sustaining stone," it is said to be helpful in times of low energy and to stabilize the aura. It also is believed to produce a calming effect, especially in decision making.
		Red Jasper (-026) With its acorn-red coloring and bark-gray stripes, this gemstone has a decidedly earthy quality. The stripes often seen in red jasper are quartz veins. The stone is used to regulate metabolic energy and promote physical stamina. It also is believed to have the ability to send negative energy back to the sender, the way a mirror reflects light.
		Red Ocean Jasper aka Red Sea Jasper Red ocean jasper is the same mineral, from the same deposit, as regular ocean jasper. It has the same circular and wavy patterns, but with more red and very little green.
		Rose Jasper This gemstone of mottled red, green and pink symbolizes emotional security and is therefore believed to give emotional stability to the wearer.
		Silver Leaf Jasper (-010) Reminiscent of silvery leaves in a forest, this finely colored and patterned jasper contains shades of cream and black, bits of brown and, occasionally, hints of red. Its patterns tend to be in lines and bands, and it is said to provide protection and good luck.
		Silver Mist Jasper (-189) This type of jasper is found in neutral colors with bands of gray, tan and cream. Some silver mist jasper is more green, with gray and tan-colored bands.
		Silver Smoke Jasper Wispy lines of light gray "smoke" against a black background characterize this descriptively named gemstone.
		Snakeskin Jasper With sleek bands and patches, this pale-to-deep red gemstone is reminiscent of an exotic serpent. Snakeskin jasper is said be a gemstone of protection and invisibility.
		Sunset Jasper Named for the similarity its colors have to sunsets, this variety of jasper displays assortment of brown tones with yellow.
		Tiger Jasper Strangely enough, this particular gemstone is a spotted stone in lovely shades of burgundy, pink, rust, cream and brown. Guess this is one tiger that really can change its stripes! We have been unable to verify its mineral composition.
		Tigerskin Jasper With its golden brown base and dark stripes, this jasper's patterns resemble those of great jungle cats. Some beads sport sleek veins of tigereye.
		Turtle Shell Jasper aka Chalcedite This is a mottled jasper that looks like turtle's shell, with shades of brown, mahogany, gold, peach and orange-red.
		White Jasper aka Rabbit Jade This snowy gemstone gives a fresh, clean look to any piece.
		Wild Horse Jasper This variety of jasper is an alluring combination of white with brown and small tan spots.
		Wood Jasper Though useless for starting fires, the woodlike colors and patterns of this jasper make it perfect to wear on camping trips!
		Yellow Jasper aka Ambronite The soft beeswax color of this gemstone is very soothing. It is often used for problems with the stomach, intestines, liver and spleen, and to balance the third chakra. It is said to offer protection while on a journey and to alleviate stress.
		Zebra Jasper Jaspers with dark, jagged stripes of black or brown on a background of white, gray or tan are know as zebra jaspers. This gemstone is said to be very helpful with balancing energy, work and play, and allowing the wearer to see both sides of a situation.
	Jet (-121) aka Black Amber This organic material is a type of lignite coal, which is actually carbonized driftwood. Jet is usually warm to the touch and becomes electrically charged when rubbed with wool. Its name is derived from the old French jaiet, which came from the Latin word gagates after the River Gages, where it was first mined. It has a low to moderate hardness and is easily burned. It is extremely lightweight, making it ideal for large pieces of jewelry. Only clean jet with warm, soapy water. Jet has been mined since before recorded history. Amulets of jet have been found together with amber in ancient European ruins. The Pueblo Indians were known to bury jet with their dead for protection in the afterlife. In the 16th century, jet was believed to be black amber and commonly used in rosary beads. Jet was also burned by the wives of sailors to protect them at sea. Jet later became fashionable in Victorian England, where it was popular as mourning jewelry. Many cultures, including American Indians, still use jet for prayer beads and religious sculpture. Jet has historically been considered protective against illness, the evil eye and personal attacks. Jet is an important gemstone for the first chakra, thought to strengthen psychic awareness. England is the major source of jet, but other suppliers include Canada, France, Germany, Spain and the U.S.A.
Why can't I click on some stone names? Some stones are not currently part of our regular stock, meaning we don't sell them in our wholesale catalog or online. However, these may still be available on our traveling Bead Show tour, which stops at more than 50 U.S. cities each year.

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