This large polished Royal Imperial Jasper pair shows interesting abstract patterning in pink and red jasper surrounding the center pattern of repeating eggs in a warm grayish brown. Healed brecciation and non-healed fracture lines are present, within a cream and orange outer host.
Polished surfaces:
13.5cm x 10.4cm and 14.6cm x 10.3cm
Approx. depth
2" and 2"
Weight:
1lb 7.3oz and 2lb 6.5oz
3lb 13.8oz together
Imperial Jasper comes from central Mexico, near the border of Zacatecas and Jalisco and north of the city Guadalajara. It is known for the size of the jasper deposit, its formation in both veins and nodules, and its ability to form the "egg-patterning" found in only a handful of fine jaspers. Nodular pieces (which are highly associated with this patterning) are typically referred to as Royal Imperial Jasper. Horizontal banding, streamers, or 'spiderweb' patterns are also common. Classic colors for the material are green or dusty pink jasper, but it can skew to red, mauve purple, or even blue.