Earthy tones tinted with splashes of colour

The word Jasper means spotted or speckled stone and when you see the huge variety of gemstones that appear under this name you can understand why. The swirling patterns, the flecks of colour, daubs of red, green and yellow, the woody or organic looking patches all make this a truly unique gemstone.

Jasper gemstones can come in almost any colour but do tend to be earthy tones; reds, browns, oranges, yellows and greens are the most common although blues and purples are not unheard of. The colours are not restricted to just one, Jasper tends to have two, three or even more colours on the same gemstone.

Since ancient times, Jasper has been valued and utilized for its strong healing and grounding powers. Almost every ancient civilization harnessed and utilized the jasper healing properties in some way. Worn by shamans, priests and kings, this healing gemstone was considered sacred and a powerful protection aid. The Ancient Egyptians valued the jasper meaning, using jaspers in their talismans, ritual vessels and jewelley. They carved amulets of Jasper with symbols and descriptions, and then buried them with their mummified remains, as they believed this stone would provide safe passageway to the after life.

Jaspers are the nurturers, the healers and the spirit stones of courage and wisdom. They all carry a strong connection to the Earth’s energy, making the jasper healing properties very beneficial for grounding, stability and strength. Every jasper meaning is unique and special, depending on the type of Jasper you possess.

• Leopard Skin Jasper is a great crystal to use to strengthen your connection with animals—like your pets! It is a very strong self-healing and nurturing stone that helps to further your personal growth. Leopard skin jasper is also wonderful to carry in times of stress, as it will provide you with the tranquility and wholeness that you are looking for.

• Ukanite is said to be a stone of vision, opening the third eye and useful for scrying. It is also believed to be a stone of balance, grounding the self while bringing emotions and spirituality together. Among crystal healing practitioners, ukanite is used to support convalescence from illness.

• Ruby in Zoisite offers the energy of happiness, appreciation, abundance, vitality and growth. It stimulates the heart and helps one to open to divine love. Zoisite helps to alleviate grief, anger, despair and defeat, and it is a powerful stone for deep healing by activating the body's defences and healing mechanisms.