jasper

noun

jas·​per ˈja-spər 

1

: an opaque cryptocrystalline quartz of any of several colors

especially : green chalcedony

2

: colored stoneware with raised white decoration

3

: a blackish green

jaspery

ˈja-spə-rē 

adjective

Examples of jasper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Many pieces illustrate the ancient art of engraving on hardstones, such as onyx, sardonyx, cornelian, jasper and chalcedony. —Anthony Demarco, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024

Scorpio: Red Jasper Scorpios are notorious for their intensity, and their passion and depth would benefit greatly from the red jasper stone. —Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 27 May 2024

No two are alike, each carved out of a unique stone that further illustrates the juice’s story (Casa Blanca uses howlite, Oro Verde uses green jasper, and Bombón uses strawberry quartz). —Pia Velasco, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2024

Three types of diamonds—white, yellow and brown—are common in the region, as are gems like quartz, agate, garnet, amethyst and jasper, among others. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English jaspre, from Anglo-French jaspre, jaspe, from Latin jaspis, from Greek iaspis, of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew yāshĕpheh jasper

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

jasper

noun

jas·​per ˈjas-pər 

: an opaque mineral that occurs in several colors and is used for making ornamental objects (as vases)

especially : green chalcedony

jaspery

-pə-rē 

adjective