This vibrantly colored orange, yellow, and black material can present striking patterns
as in this well-matched earring set. Bumblebee "jasper" is formed near fumeroles and
volcanic vents on the island of Java.
The term jasper is a misnomer. This is a carbonate rock with realgar (orange and yellow)
and pyrite (black) having a Mohs hardness of 5 or below; most specimens are treated with Opticon.
|