Orbicular Ocean Jasper
Ocean Jasper is a rare mineral, mined in only one place in the world...
The Mine of Marovato, on the Ambolobozo Peninsula in the north west corner of Madagascar. It is called Ocean Jasper because the deposits are part of the coastline, and can only be reached by boat, and removed only during low tide.
The Lapidary Journal reported this description:
“This new rock has been found along the northwest coast of Madagascar after years of unsuccessful searching. The deposit formed as a rhyolite flow but has been completely silicified. The rhyolitic eyes or orbs come in an astonishing array of colors and color combinations. The background can be white, pink, green, red, or yellow. Botryoidal formations as well as white and deep green druzy are also common. The deposit has been discovered at the edge of the ocean. It can only be seen and collected at low tide. The area has no road so the material must be transported to civilization by boat.”
This stone is immediately recognizable by its concentric rings of color, earning at the name "Orbicular Ocean Jasper." The most common colors are greens and whites, with the less common colors of pinks and yellows also appearing in some specimens.
Ocean jasper is one of the most collectible stones in recent times. Word that the mine is running out or empty seems to be true, as quality specimens are becoming harder to find with each passing day. This stones colors, patterns and shapes amaze and delight! It is another of nature’s wonderful masterpieces. This stone is also known as the “Atlantis Stone” because it was found in the turn of the New Millennium under the ocean.
Update
In 2006 the last specimen from the deposit was mined. The Jasper vein was followed from the waters edge into the side of the hill for about 45 yards. As the Ocean Jasper vein was followed it became thinner and thinner. The mine is now depleted. The life span of this find was from about 2000 through 2006...This super find had about a 6 year life span...Another vein was found but it is poor grade, nothing like the original. You will find the available specimens becoming less and less attractive.
Item# 1OJS082100251
Old Stock 5.6 Inch Ocean Jasper Polished Slab from Madagascar
$299.00
This is an excellent old stock slab that is polished on both sides. It has light green, dark green, tan, light tan, yellow, white, grey and clear colors. There are many orbicular formations with multiple surrounding rings in different colors. There are several drusy crystal lined vugs in this piece. This beautiful slab comes with a small 2 piece adjustable clear acrylic stand. This one will not disappoint!
Weighs 7.9 oz. or 0.49 lb. (226g) and Measures 5.6 x 5.3 x 0.25 inches (14.2 cm x 13.6 cm x 6.4 mm)
Item# 2OJS082100484
Old Stock 8.7 Inch Ocean Jasper Thick Polished Slab from Madagascar
$799.00
This is an exceptional “AAA” Grade large and thick old stock slab that is polished on both sides. It has light green, dark green, tan, light tan, pink, white, grey and clear colors that appear banded. There are many orbicular formations with multiple surrounding rings in different colors and even many with multiple formations joined. You can find a few of the famous orbicular flower formations on this one as well! There are several drusy crystal lined vugs in this piece. This stunning slab comes with a large 2 piece adjustable clear acrylic stand. Specimens of this size and quality are very rare finds these days.
Weighs 19.7 oz. or 1.24 lbs. (561g) and Measures 8.7 x 6.2 x 0.43 inches (22 x 15.9 x 1.1 cm)
Item# 10OJPS08211061S59
Extremely Rare "A" Grade Ocean Jasper Polished Palm Stone from Madagascar
This is a beautiful medium size palm stone. It is Dark Green with orbicular shapes including many of the desirable and rare flower patterns. There are varying shades of green with white, clear and grey patterns. There is even a grey-clear “X” pattern on one side. There are several drusy lined vugs on this specimen.
Weighs 5.66 oz. or 0.35 lb. (161g) and Measures 3 x 2.28 x 0.97 inches (7.6 x 5.8 x 2.4 cm)
Item# 12OJSP08211042
51mm Ocean Jasper Polished Sphere from Madagascar
$54.00
This is a very nice Ocean Jasper sphere from Madagascar. It is Dark Green with orbicular shapes in varying shades of green with white, tan and clear patterns. There are several drusy lined vugs on this specimen. This sphere comes with the all brass stand shown in the photographs.
Weighs 6.16 oz. or 0.38 lb. (175g) and Measures 2 inches in diameter (51 mm)
Item# 11OJPS08211513
Extremely Rare "A" Grade Large Ocean Jasper Polished Palm Stone from Madagascar
$69.00
This is a beautiful large size palm stone. It is Dark Green with orbicular shapes in varying shades of green with white, tan and clear patterns. There are several drusy lined vugs on this specimen.
Weighs 11.2oz. or 0.69 lb. (317g) and Measures 3.2 x 2.6 x 1.6 inches (8.1 x 6.6 x 4 cm)
Item# 14OJSP08219992
55mm Ocean Jasper Polished Sphere from Madagascar
$67.00
This is a very nice Ocean Jasper sphere from Madagascar. It is Dark Green with orbicular shapes in varying shades of green with white, tan and clear patterns. There are several drusy lined vugs on this specimen and one large uncoated vug. This sphere comes with the all brass stand shown in the photographs.
Weighs 7.64 oz. or 0.48 lb. (217g) and Measures 2.18 inches in diameter (55 mm)