15×11×4 mm oval ocean jasper cabochon, hand-cut in our lapidary workshop. Vivid color pattern with pink, cream, and yellow areas that define this variety from the northwest coast of Madagascar.
Piece Details
| Mineral |
Ocean Jasper (polychromatic microcrystalline chalcedony) |
| Dimensions |
15×11×4 mm (±0.5 mm due to hand-cutting) |
| Shape and Back |
Freeform oval, flat back |
| Finish |
Mirror polish |
| Hardness |
6.5–7 Mohs — we recommend a closed bezel setting |
| Origin |
Madagascar (northwest coast) |
| Treatment |
No treatment |
| Piece Type |
Unique piece |
This specific piece
Ocean jasper displays a palette that does not repeat between two pieces: this one combines a central pink area surrounded by cream bands and a yellow area at one of the poles. The transition between colors is gradual and without sharp edges, giving the cabochon a fluid appearance reminiscent of seabed colors.
With a 4 mm dome, the piece has enough depth to showcase the pattern in a silver bezel while remaining discreet as a small pendant or as a stone in a minimalist ring.
How ocean jasper is formed
Ocean jasper is a polychromatic chalcedony formed by the precipitation of silica in submarine or coastal volcanic cavities. The color patterns—pink, yellow, cream, and green—come from different metallic oxides trapped during the formation of each layer of microcrystalline quartz. It is only extracted from a few outcrops on the northwest coast of Madagascar, accessible only during low tide, which makes each piece genuinely limited material.
For which setting it works
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Simple bezel pendant (925 silver) — the small size (15×11 mm) and multicolored pattern make this cabochon an ideal everyday pendant, without competing with other pieces.
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Mini oval bezel ring — mounted in a narrow band silver ring, ocean jasper adds color without being overstated.
-
Wire wrap — the regular oval shape facilitates wrapping with fine gauge wire; the colors work well with both silver and copper.
Ocean jasper in lapidary tradition
Jasper has been continuously used in lapidary since Ancient Egypt, appearing in seals, amulets, and funerary jewelry. The specific ocean jasper was not known in the gemological trade until the 1990s, when the Madagascar deposits opened to the international market. Today, it is one of the most collected varieties by lapidaries due to the infinite variety of its color combinations.
In crystal tradition, ocean jasper is associated with joy, vitality, and connection to the rhythm of the sea — a stone considered to bring optimism and renewed energy.
The symbolic properties attributed to minerals belong to cultural and historical traditions. They are shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice.
How to recognize genuine ocean jasper
Genuine ocean jasper exhibits smooth and organic color transitions without artificially sharp edges. With 6.5–7 Mohs, it is not scratched by a coin but does leave a mark on glass. A light cabochon or one with overly saturated and uniform colors may be dyed resin. The texture under magnification shows fine microcrystallization, without the smooth appearance of glass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ocean jasper dyed?
No. The multicolor pattern is completely natural and is due to different metallic oxides in the rock. No detectable treatment. Statement based on lapidary observation; the piece does not include formal gemological certification.
Are the dimensions exact?
The measurements are 15×11×4 mm with a tolerance of ±0.5 mm in any dimension, as the piece is hand-cut and not industrially calibrated. The freeform oval reflects the lapidary's decision to utilize the best color area of the material.
How to care for ocean jasper?
Clean with a soft cloth and warm water, no ultrasonics or steamers. With 6.5–7 Mohs, it withstands daily use well but avoid direct impacts against hard surfaces. See our jewelry care guide.
See also: jasper properties · more pieces from our workshop.
