Carrasite Jasper

Carrasite Jasper is a trade name for an orbicular jasper from Madagascar, closely related to the well-known ocean jasper. It displays rounded eyes, swirls, and bands in creams, greens, grays, and browns, set in an opaque microcrystalline quartz body.

The orbicular patterning, concentric ringed spheres scattered through the stone, is its signature feature. Lapidaries value Carrasite for its varied patterns and good polish, and it is often grouped with the broader family of Madagascar orbicular jaspers.

Carrasite Jasper formed in volcanic-associated host rock in Madagascar, where silica-rich solutions filled cavities and porous material and crystallized as microcrystalline quartz. Trace iron and other impurities supplied the green, cream, and brown coloring.

The orbs developed through rhythmic, concentric precipitation of silica around nucleation points, the same spherulitic process that produces ocean jasper's famous eyes. Flow banding records the movement of mineral-laden fluids, and continued silicification cemented everything into a tough, polishable stone.

Look for an opaque jasper with circular orbicular eyes and swirling bands in cream, green, gray, and brown.

• Hardness: 6.5-7; scratches glass.
• Luster: waxy raw, vitreous polished.
• Streak: white.
• Look-alikes: ocean jasper is the closest relative and the two can be nearly indistinguishable; both come from Madagascar. Royal imperial jasper also shows orbs but in softer Mexican pastels. The orbicular eyes plus Madagascar origin identify the group.

Carrasite Jasper is used as a lapidary and collector stone, cut into cabochons, beads, and slabs that highlight its orbs and swirls. Well-patterned pieces are favored for statement jewelry.

Durable at near 7 Mohs, it polishes well and wears reliably. As an orbicular jasper it is associated metaphysically with renewal, calm, and flow, traditional beliefs rather than scientifically demonstrated properties.