jasper Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun an opaque form of quartz; red or yellow or brown or dark green in color; used for ornamentation or as a gemstone

OE. jaspre, jaspe, OF. jaspre, jaspe, F. jaspe, L. iaspis, Gr. cf. Per. yashp, yashf, Ar.yashb, yasb, yasf, Heb. yashpheh. Cf. Diaper.

(Min.) An opaque, impure variety of quartz, of red, yellow, and other dull colors, breaking with a smooth surface. It admits of a high polish, and is used for vases, seals, snuff boxes, etc. When the colors are in stripes or bands, it is called striped ∨ banded jasper. The Egyptian pebble is a brownish yellow jasper.