Royal Imperial Jasper Rough Specimens
Origin: Zacatecas, Mexico
Description:
Discover the captivating beauty of Royal Imperial Jasper, a prized gemstone sourced from the rugged canyons of Zacatecas, Mexico, near the border with Jalisco, approximately 50 miles northwest of Guadalajara. Renowned as one of the five finest jaspers in the world, alongside Bruneau, Morrisonite, Willow Creek, and Blue Mountain jaspers, Royal Imperial Jasper is celebrated for its exceptional hardness, vibrant colors, and distinctive patterns. This material forms in small, smooth nodules, typically 1 to 6 inches in size, with a chalky white to orange exterior that conceals stunning interiors of pinks, greens, tans, and occasional mauves or blues.
The hallmark of Royal Imperial Jasper is its unique "egg pattern," characterized by overlapping concentric circles or orbs, a feature that sets it apart from other jaspers and makes it highly sought after by collectors, jewelers, and lapidary artists. This pattern, formed during the jasper’s creation in silica-rich environments, is most prevalent in Royal Imperial specimens, making it the finest and largest known deposit of egg-patterned jasper globally. The nodules’ dense, fine-grained composition ensures an outstanding polish, ideal for cabochons, display specimens, or custom jewelry pieces.
History:
Jasper has been treasured since ancient times, with its name tracing back to Hebrew, Assyrian, Persian, Greek, and Latin cultures, where it was revered as an ornamental stone. Royal Imperial Jasper, discovered as surface float in the 1980s and later mined extensively from the 1990s, has become a modern gemstone icon. Found in a challenging, vegetation-covered canyon along Highway 23, this jasper’s vivid palette and intricate patterns may have held cultural significance in pre-Columbian Mexico, potentially used in rituals or sacred art, though no direct historical records confirm this. Today, its calming hues and grounding energy make it a favorite in lithotherapy, believed to promote serenity, balance, and creativity.
Wholesale Offering:
Our Royal Imperial Jasper specimens are carefully selected for their quality, showcasing vibrant colors and prominent egg patterns. Available in whole nodules, polished pairs, or rough material, these specimens range from small, flat pieces (approximately 2 inches) to larger, irregular forms up to 7 inches. Perfect for artisans crafting high-end jewelry or collectors seeking unique display pieces, our stock is graded for specimen quality, ensuring minimal flaws and maximum visual appeal. Contact us for bulk pricing and custom inquiries—many pieces are one-of-a-kind, so don’t miss out on this exceptional material from Mexico’s premier jasper deposits.
