A medium sized free form Ocean Jasper. This stone is an agate by the standard definition (agate being translucent and jasper being opaque). Ocean Jasper is rarely opaque. We decided to call the material a jasper because rhyolitic patterns have been associated with the jasper category in the past and because "jasper" is listed as the mineral resource in the mining claims owned by Paul Obenich.
The word "Ocean" comes mainly from the location at the edge of the sea, along the northwest coast of Madagascar where the deposit was found. The forms in the rock itself are also suggestive of the bubbling surf of the sea.
"This new rock is from the northwest coast of Madagascar. The deposit formed as a rhyolite flow but has been completely silicified. The rhyolitic eyes or orbs come in an astonishing array of colors and color combinations. The background can be white, pink, green, red, or yellow. Botryoidal formations as well as white and deep green druzy are also common.
In 2006, the last rock from the deposit was mined. The deposit was followed from the beach into the side of the hill for about 40 meters. As the deposit was followed it became a large tube like formation, extending straight into the host rock. The jasper deposit became thinner as work progressed. The mine is now depleted. The search for new deposits is ongoing but nothing has been found.
This stone is 23.65 Ct and features a landscape of Spring green, white, cream, pale yellow and peach orbs. Finish is smooth as can be with a small pocket of shiny crystals. Flat bottomed stone with dome top and rounded edges. Dimensions are about: 4.9 mm x popular 21.2 mm x 34.2 mm.
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Product code: Free Form Ocean Jasper popular Cabochon