The Rare Blue Sea Sediment Jasper Gemstone

The Rare and Beautiful Blue Sea Sediment Jasper

Blue Sea Sediment Jasper is an extraordinarily rare and stunningly beautiful mineral that has captured the fascination of collectors and crystal enthusiasts all over the world. Often simply referred to as "Blue Ocean Jasper," this gemstone displays a vibrant mix of bright turquoise, cobalt blue, azure, rich teal, mint green, and earthy gray colors all swirled together in an abstract, impressionist-style natural pattern.

Formation and Origins

Like all jaspers, Blue Sea Sediment Jasper is a variety of microcrystalline quartz formed of microscopic granular mineral grains of quartz and/or chalcedony along with trace impurities that give it its distinctive coloring and patterning. It likely originated as amorphous silica gel on ancient seafloors that solidified into bands over long stretches of geological time before emerging as outcrops millions of years later.

Most Jasper forms around volcanic rock near hydrothermal vents on ocean floors where mineral-rich waters interact with existing sedimentary deposits. As layer upon layer of additional sediment accumulates on the sea floor and compacts under ocean pressure, the silica gradually recrystallizes into interlocking microscopic quartz crystals known as chalcedony, forming the dense microcrystalline structure we know as jasper.

Where Blue Sea Sediment Jasper is Found

Blue Sea Sediment Jasper is only found along the remote rugged coastline of Madagascar, an island nation located off the southeastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. There, embedded within ancient outcroppings dating back to the Jurassic era over 65 million years ago, small localized deposits of this rare jasper can sometimes be found.

However, only one extremely finite vein of Blue Sea Sediment Jasper has ever been discovered, located along the southwest region of the island nation. This single narrow outcrop has essentially been the only known source for this variety of Ocean Jasper available on the market today.

Mining and Rarity

Unfortunately, that singular vein of Blue Ocean Jasper found in Madagascar has since been completely depleted through mining. No other substantial deposits have been located since, making this perhaps the rarest and most valuable form of Ocean Jasper in the world currently.

Any existing pieces being sold by dealers or traded among collectors are likely leftover inventory sourced from private personal collections or older hoarded supply that is now resurfacing. But once those existing finite pieces trade hands or get added to personal crystal or rock collections, that's probably the last we'll ever see of this rare gorgeous natural marvel.

The Exquisite Natural Beauty of Blue Sea Sediment Jasper

What makes Blue Sea Sediment Jasper so exceptionally beautiful and unique is the stunning abstract visual created by nature itself captured in the mineral composition.

Mesmerizing Patterns and Colors

The pigmentation varies across individual pieces ranging from solid azure blue to swirling marbled mixtures of multiple shades and tones of turquoise, teal green, inky blues, steely grays, and more. No two pieces ever have the exact same patterning and play of colors, making each one a natural Ocean Jasper artwork unto itself.

The signature abstract styles can include bold splashes of color, impressionistic whorls, atmospheric cloud-like designs, intricate feathery fingers, and undulating bands that resemble cresting ocean waves, rivers, or nebulae clouds in space.

Translucent Glow

In thinner-cut pieces, the colors take on an added luminous glow from light shining through the semi-translucent stone. These thinner slices also better reveal more intricate details in the mineral composition and microcrystalline structure under closer inspection.

Meanwhile, thicker slabs and geode chunks exhibit bolder, richer hues saturated with more intensity to the colorations. Every side and every slice offers a completely different one-of-a-kind swirl of oceanic infused abstract art that's simultaneously ancient and futuristic in appearance.

Jewelry, Carvings, Decor, and More

The vibrant glowing colors and kaleidoscopic patterning of Blue Sea Sediment Jasper lend themselves beautifully to being shaped and carved into jewelry pieces and ornamental objects to be displayed.

Jewelry

When cut and polished into beads, pendants, cabochons, inlay, and other adornments, Blue Ocean Jasper's dazzling hues and mesmerizing abstract visual effects really shine. The stone takes on an otherworldly sci-fi futuristic vibe when lit up on a necklace or charm bracelet.

Carvings and Sculptures

The swirling colors and patterns also get highlighted when carved into ornamental spheres, bookends, hearts, obelisk points, and other sculptural shapes to accent interior decor. The textural properties make every groove and curve carved into each piece pop visually.

Home Decor and Accessories

Larger slabs and geodes of Blue Sea Sediment Jasper make for incredible display pieces all on their own resembling impressive avant-garde wall art. When backlit or mounted on light boxes, the translucency amplifies into an ambient glowing focal point.

Smaller pieces also make great gifts like paperweights and coaster sets that elevate ordinary desks and shelves with an added pop of natural oceanic color and beauty.

The Future Rarity of Blue Sea Sediment Jasper

As supplies of this exceptionally rare Blue Sea Sediment Jasper from that single precious mineral vein in Madagascar have essentially been depleted, existing pieces on the market today may be some of the very last anybody will see offered for sale publicly or passed between private collectors.

There always remains a possibility that another deposit could be uncovered hidden within Madagascar's remote and largely unexplored stretches of rugged coastlines. However, the probability is extremely slim at best.

For the handful of lucky crystal and mineral collectors who own a genuine piece of this natural oceanic artwork, it's a one-of-a-kind treasure to behold that will likely only continue increasing in value as supplies vanish for good.

FAQs

How rare is blue sea sediment jasper?

Blue sea sediment jasper is extraordinarily rare. Only one narrow vein of this ocean jasper has ever been found in southwest Madagascar, and it has been completely mined out. No other deposits have been discovered, making this a very scarce gemstone.

What colors can blue sea sediment jasper display?

The colors can vary but typically include bright shades of blue like turquoise, cobalt and azure along with teal greens, rich grays, and earthy browns all swirled together in abstract patterns.

What can blue sea sediment jasper be used for?

This rare jasper is ideal for jewelry pieces like beads, pendants, and cabochons. It also makes excellent decorative carvings, displays, geode specimens, paperweights, and other ornamental objects for its vivid colors.

Is blue sea sediment jasper translucent?

Yes, thinner slices will be semi-translucent to fully translucent, glowing beautifully when backlit. Thicker slabs exhibit more intense opaque coloring and patterning.

How old is blue ocean jasper?

Blue sea sediment jasper dates back to the Jurassic era over 65 million years ago. It formed as amorphous silica on ancient ocean floors and gradually recrystallized into bands of jasper over extremely long time periods.