Ocean Jasper

Ocean Jasper is a popular trade name for a distinctive Madagascan ornamental stone characterised by rounded orb-like patterns, colourful banding and occasional pockets of sparkling druzy Quartz. Despite the name, Ocean Jasper is not a separate mineral species. Mineralogically, it is best described as orbicular or spherulitic chalcedony-rich material belonging to the Quartz family. Its famous circular patterns form through radial or spherulitic growth structures, where silica-rich material develops around small centres or seed crystals. When cut and polished, these structures appear as rings, circles, eyes and layered orbs. Classic Ocean Jasper comes from northwestern Madagascar, particularly around Marovato and the nearby Kabamby area in the Analalava District of the Sofia Region. The Marovato occurrence became especially famous because some material was exposed close to the shoreline and could historically be reached more easily at low tide. This association with the coast helped inspire the commercial name Ocean Jasper. Ocean Jasper can occur in many colours, including green, cream, white, yellow, pink, red, brown and grey, often within the same piece. The trade name is strongly associated with the Madagascan deposits, so similar-looking orbicular jaspers from other countries should not automatically be labelled Ocean Jasper.