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Jasper

(Science: chemical) An opaque, impure variety of quartz, of red, yellow, and other dull colours, breaking with a smooth surface. It admits of a high polish, and is used for vases, seals, snuff boxes, etc. When the colours are in stripes or bands, it is called striped or banded jasper. The egyptian pebble is a brownish yellow jasper. Jasper opal, a yellow variety of opal resembling jasper. Jasper ware, a delicate kind of earthenware invented by Josiah Wedgwood. It is usually white, but is capable of receiving colour.

Origin: oe. Jaspre, jaspe, OF. Jaspre, jaspe, f. Jaspe, L. Iaspis, gr.; cf. Per. Yashp, yashf, Ar.yashb, yasb, yasf, Heb. Yashpheh. Cf. Diaper.