Dalmatian Jasper? Dalmatian Stone?
What's in a name? Dalmatian Jasper (sometimes spelled Dalmation Jasper) is a natural gemstone featuring dark spots on a lighter background (often ivory to light brown in tone). However, it is not a true Jasper! The lighter sections of Dalmatian Jasper are actually a form of Peralkaline rock comprised of microcrystalline quartz, alkali-feldspar, and sodic plagiolclase, to be exact. While some attribute Dalmatian Jasper's characteristic spots to Black Tourmaline inclusions, the reality is much more interesting. The dark splotches in Dalmatian Jasper come from a variety of Pyroxene Group minerals and Amphibole Supergroup minerals (most often, black Arfvedsonite). Although "Dalmatian Stone" is a more accurate name for this gem, "Dalmatian Jasper" is the one used most often by collectors and practitioners when handling it, and so it is the name that sticks!
Dalmatian Jasper: Positive Energy & Expression
The meaning of Dalmatian Jasper is wonder and joy, so it's no surprise that this is the gem to work with when you want to promote gratitude, mindfulness, and happiness. Often kept in the home as a support stone for harmony and optimism, Dalmatian Jasper resonates from the Solar Plexus Chakra through the Heart Chakra and Throat Chakra. Dalmatian Jasper's metaphysical properties really lend themselves to helping us maintain relationships through practicing consistent consideration, honesty, and positivity. Dalmatian Jasper is often used for getting in touch with the inner child, since it's a stone of youthful energy, cheer, and curiosity about the world.
How to Cleanse Dalmatian Jasper
It should always be remembered that the hardness level of Dalmatian Jasper is not consistent due to the inclusions that make up its lovely dots. The Mohs hardness of Dalmatian Jasper is, on average, between 5 and 7 and so it is not suggested for longterm water submersion. Short dips will not damage your Dalmatian Jasper stone, but extended exposure to liquids can cause the gemstone to soften further which makes it more susceptible to breakage or scratching.
Smoke cleansing with Sage, Incense, or Herbs is perfectly safe for Dalmatian Jasper, as is Dry Salt cleansing. For ease in cleansing and charging the stone, we always suggest a Selenite tile or bowl, but Sunlight and Full Moonlight exposure also work beautifully for Dalmatian Jasper stones.
