Ocean Jasper Properties & Use
Ocean jasper is but a drop in the ocean when it comes to the world of jasper. It is a hard enough stone—6.5–7 on the Mohs scale—which makes it a suitable enough choice for jewelry. It's extremely common for this stone to be used in lapidary projects, as spheres, hearts, towers, and other small carvings are pretty typical (as they are for almost any jasper).
The more technical name for ocean jasper is orbicular jasper, the name of which refers to the spherical formations from inclusions of quartz or feldspar, which comes from silicified rhyolite or tuff. Sometimes, people use ocean jasper to refer to a specific variety of orbicular jasper that comes from Madagascar. However, this is not guaranteed, and if you see a collection of ocean jasper for sale, it's safe to assume that not all of the specimens in question come from Madagascar.
Orbicular jasper is also called poppy jasper or sea jasper. However, others will only use ocean jasper or sea jasper to refer to types of orbicular jasper that have more ocean-themed tones, such as greens, blues, greys, and browns. They then reserve poppy jasper for red tones, which would refer to the color of the plant (even if it technically has other colors).
Ocean Jasper is a gemstone of myriad colors (mostly greens, greys, browns, yellows, and whites) and often features polka dots that can be singular or clustered together throughout the stone. Due to the way Ocean Jasper forms, it is prone to natural caverns and divots, which give it the appearance of barnacles on an undersea surface. Ocean Jasper has several other names, such as Ocean Orbicular Jasper, Sea Jasper, or Cellular Jasper.
Metaphysical Properties of Ocean Jasper
While the crystal healing and metaphysical communities claim that stones possess therapeutic or spiritual properties, it is important to note that these claims are not scientifically proven or endorsed by healthcare professionals. It is not recommended to rely solely on crystals as a substitute for professional medical care or treatment. There is no scientific evidence supporting the idea that specific crystal formations or colors have any benefits beyond the placebo effect. While meditation can have some benefits, it should not be viewed as a replacement for scientifically validated conventional medical practices.
It is advisable to consult medical professionals for any health concerns, and the use of crystals or meditation should not be seen as a substitute for seeking professional medical or health advice, treatment, or expertise. In the absence of scientific evidence, it is essential to prioritize evidence-based medical practices. Regardless, those in the crystal community hold their belief that:
"Ocean Jasper is a glorious gemstone that will help you resonate with the Water Element’s energies. There is a constantly changing and constantly evolving power that comes with the ocean, and this gemstone channels your mind towards these evolving, adventurous energies. Working with Ocean Jasper helps you court and pursue the deepest desires you have in your heart. It can help you overcome fears and resolve difficult situations when meditated with."
The Wrap Up
Ocean jasper is a beautiful stone with a watery palette that makes it a fairly reasonable choice for those who like crystal décor of an earth theme. If you like jasper, then you might want to give it a shot. Ocean jasper does not have much use outside of gemstone stuff, and it is fairly inexpensive.
Sources
https://www.mindat.org/min-27171.html
https://www.mindat.org/min-32098.html
