Jasper beads come in many colors, but the most common are red, brown, and green. The Greek origin of the word, iaspis, means "spotted stone," a reflection of the attractive markings found on these semiprecious beads, donuts, and pendants. Landscape jaspers, like paintbrush jasper and picture jasper, tend to provide the most dramatic markings. A form of semiprecious chalcedony (microcrystalline quartz), jasper displays patterns that are less regular than those of agates (the other type of chalcedony), and jasper gemstones are generally opaque. True jaspers are metamorphic rocks, but the term is also applied descriptively to unidentified stones, like red creek jasper and purple creek jasper. Jasper has a dull luster but takes a fine polish, and its hardness is that of quartz. Be aware that jasper beads and components can be sealed with petroleum products. Their polish might wash away in water, so clean with a soft, dry cloth.
