This polished Royal Imperial Jasper pair shows repeated egg patterning and horizontal banding in a combination of light to dark greens and pinks, blending to brown as they switch between colors. The outer host is light cream with a chalky texture, with both halves showing windows.
Polished surfaces:
8.6cm x 5.4cm and 8.6cm x 5.3cm
Approx. depth
2.5" and 1.5"
Weight:
15.4oz and 6.3oz
1lb 5.7oz 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.