Jasper is a common name given to many varieties of natural gemstones.  The name Jasper is typically expanded upon depending either on the origin of the stone or the color formation.  It is rare to find a solid colored jasper gemstone because most are infused with numerous colors, banding, stripes and in sine cases, even spots (typically referred to as 'orbs' or 'eggs'.  The bands, stripes and orbs are formed from a high concentration of other minerals that are infused into the rocks over long periods of time.

The name "jasper" is of Greek origin meaning "spotted stone."  Jasper is mentioned in the bible as one of the precious gemstones adorned to the breast plate of the high priest during the Exodus and it is also mentioned in other chapters of the bible.  In the Book of Revelation (21:11), the new Jerusalem descending from heaven is described as follows: "It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal."

Jasper is found in a number of countries, most notably Egypt, South Africa, India, Madagascar, Kazakhstan, Uruguay, Australia, the USSR, Brazil, Canada, and the United States.