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Red jasper is just one color variation of jasper, which is an opaque, impure type of silica and form of chalcedony. It can also come in green, brown, yellow, and sometimes (but rarely) even blue. The red color in red jasper is due to iron inclusions. The name “jasper” means “spotted or speckled stone,” in reference to the appearance of many kinds of jasper. Any color version of this rock owes its appearance to the mineral content of original ash or sediments. Patterns in the rock occur during the process of consolidation. Hydrothermal circulation is believed to be required in the making of jasper. Jasper breaks smoothly and is used as a gemstone and for ornamentation. It can take a high polishing and has been used to make seals, snuff boxes and vases. It is a traditional birthstone for the month of March and exhibits a Moh's scale hardness of 7, a specific gravity of 2.5-2.9, a massive crystal habit, and an earthy luster. It can be found worldwide.
Jasper is associated with the astrological signs of leo, virgo, and scorpio, the planet Mars, and the element of fire. In the metaphysical world, jasper represents contentment, relaxation, nurturing, consolation, compassion, healing, completion, and tranquility. Red jasper resonates with the base chakra. On top of the aforementioned energies given off by all forms of jasper, red jasper in particular is also considered to be a very protective and stimulating stone. It is believed to neutralize radiation and electromagnetic and environmental pollution, ground energy, rectify unjust situations, bring issues to light, provide insight into complicated scenarios, calm the emotions (it makes a wonderful worry stone), and clean and stabilize the body's aura. Red jasper is also said to greatly enhance dream recall. If you wish to test this, try simply holding and gazing into a specimen and/or placing it underneath your pillow before you go to sleep each night. In doing this, in addition to your improved dream recall abilities, you may also notice that your creative side has seemed to come out. Many claim that this is yet another beneficial influence provided by red jasper.
In the world of physical healing, red jasper is used by crystal healers to regulate metabolic energies, provide vitality and strength, boost physical stamina, support the overall health and proper functioning of the circulatory system (and thus address hemorrhoids, exhaustion, anemia and a plethora of heart conditions), ease recovery from surgery, increase fertility and libido, promote safe pregnancy, fetal growth and childbirth, and treat loss of smell, gout and epilepsy. Because red jasper is believed to assist in the generation of muscle tissue, those who body build, weight lift, or simply wish to enhance the effects of their regular exercise routine might consider wearing or keeping a specimen with them when they work out.