Serape Jasper is a type of banded agate/jasper blend found in Mexico, known for its bold patterns and vibrant colors that resemble the traditional Mexican sarape blanket.
Physical Properties and Origin
Uses: Its ability to take a high gloss polish makes it a favorite for lapidaries who use it to create cabochons, beads, and various ornamental carvings or display pieces.
Origin: Sarape Jasper is found near Chihuahua, Mexico, in the same mines as the well-known Lace Agates. It is considered a relatively new find.
Appearance: The stone features rich, bold bands of colors, typically including red, black, cream, orange, and sometimes yellow or violet. The striking, often zigzagging patterns are the basis for its name, as they resemble the striped designs of a traditional sarape blanket.
Composition: It is an opaque, impure variety of silica, an aggregate of microgranular quartz and/or chalcedony. The red and black coloration is often due to a higher iron content.