Pair of Noreena Jasper cabochons, 23×15×4.65 mm per piece. Terracotta, yellow and cream in irregular geometric patterns typical of the Noreena Downs deposit in the Pilbara region (Western Australia). Sedimentary material 2.2 billion years old: one of the most geologically documented jaspers on the lapidary market.
Piece details
| Mineral |
Noreena Jasper (cryptocrystalline silica with iron oxides — silicified sedimentary rock) |
| Dimensions |
23×15×4.65 mm per piece (±0.5 mm in any dimension) |
| Shape and back |
Oval, flat back |
| Finish |
Mirror polished |
| Hardness |
6.5–7 Mohs — suitable for rings, pendants and earrings |
| Origin |
Noreena Downs Station, Pilbara, Western Australia |
| Treatment |
No treatment |
| Piece type |
Pair of 2 matched cabochons |
This particular piece
Noreena Jasper is one of the few lapidary materials whose deposit has a widely recognized name in the industry: Noreena Downs Station, a cattle property in Western Australian Pilbara where the material was discovered in the 1990s. This geographical specificity is a guarantee of identity: no other deposit produces exactly this terracotta and yellow pattern.
How Noreena Jasper patterns are formed
Noreena Jasper is a silicified Precambrian rock from the Carawine Dolomite formation, with an estimated age of 2.2 billion years (Proterozoic). Silica replaced the original sediments in a slow hydrothermal process, trapping iron oxides (hematite, goethite) that give the terracotta-red color, and lighter clay that forms the yellow and cream bands. The irregular geometric patterns reflect the original sedimentary structures —laminations, stromatolitic bioherms— preserved after more than 2 billion years. The result is one of the most complex and recognizable patterned jaspers on the international market.
What mounting it works for
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925 silver earrings with bezel setting — the terracotta and yellow tones naturally contrast with.
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Statement rings in 925 silver — with a hardness of 6.5–7 Mohs, Noreena Jasper is suitable.
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Wire wrap in silver or copper — the warm colors of jasper (terracotta, yellow, cream) combine especially well.
Noreena Jasper in lapidary tradition
Discovered in the 1980s-1990s in the Australian Pilbara, Noreena Jasper quickly became one of the most sought-after jaspers on the international cabochon market. Its success is due to the combination of a verifiable origin (unique deposit), a warm and distinctive color palette (terracotta, ocher yellow, cream), and a hardness suitable for all types of mountings. The name "Noreena" itself has become an informal globally recognized appellation of origin in the lapidary sector.
How to recognize genuine Noreena Jasper
Genuine Noreena Jasper shows a combination of intense terracotta with yellow-ocher and cream in irregular geometric patterns visible even without a loupe. The pattern must have clear contrast between dark and light areas, with well-defined edges. Imitations are rare (the material is not valuable enough to be massively counterfeited), but other Australian jaspers with a similar palette may appear. The reference deposit is Noreena Downs: if the provenance is different, the material may be authentic but of different quality.
Frequently asked questions
What makes Noreena Jasper special compared to other jaspers?
Its combination of verifiable origin (unique deposit in the Australian Pilbara), documented age (2.2 billion years) and inimitable color palette (terracota, yellow, cream).
Is it suitable for everyday wear rings?
Yes. With 6.5–7 Mohs, it is one of the hardest jaspers, suitable for rings that receive daily wear. We recommend a bezel setting to protect the edge of the cabochon in.
Has it received any treatment?
No detectable treatment. Statement based on lapidary observation; the piece does not include formal gemological certification.
