The word "jasper" is derived from the Greek word iaspi meaning "spotted stone," related to the Hebrewjashpeh and the ancient Assyrian word ashpu. Jaspers were worn by Egyptian priests in amulets covered with inscriptions from their Book of the Dead and wrapped up with mummies for protection in the afterlife. The Minoans of Crete carved seals for the palace of Knossos of jasper.

Jasper was the 12th stone in the breastplate of the Hebrew High Priest, and is said to be the foundation stone of New Jerusalem. Some Native American tribes used jasper to dowse for water and to call rain.

"Brecciated" comes from "breccia"--a geology term used to identify rock composed of broken fragments cemented together into a fine-grained matrix. Brecciated jasper is made when the earth melds sharp-angled fragments of stone together, just like a hearty stew includes carrots, potatoes, onions and other chunks in a lentils base.

Black Jasper (also known as Basanite) is great for the lower chakras, making it an excellent stone for grounding the energies of one who may be experiencing spaciness. This property can greatly help those with a lack of emotional and/or physical stability. Black Jasper is also good for connecting one's higher vibrations to the earth, helping with manifestation work. Black Jasper is exceptionally cleansing and can bring support during a healing crisis. It also makes an excellent scrying stone.

Physically, Black Jasper eases pain, helps in the healing process during hip/joint replacement, balances the body’s mineral intake, and restores one after a prolonged illness or surgery.

Jasper comes in a wide variety of colors. A type of Chalcedony, Jasper is a protective, nurturing stone that absorbs and transmutes negative energies. Jasper is often used for balancing the subtle bodies and aligning the Chakras. This Jasper crystal is a great aid for those seeking to bring practicality into their life, but not boredom. Jasper promotes vitality and perseverance, and can boost energy when one is running particularly low. By working with multiple colors of Jasper on their corresponding Chakras, one can experience the unifying effect offered by this family of stones.

Physical and Metaphysical Properties for

PROPERTIES FOR STONE: Black Jasper

PRIMARY CHAKRA: Root-Chakra

SECONDARY CHAKRA: Solar-Plexus-Chakra

CRYSTAL SYSTEM: Trigonal-Crystal-System

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: SiO2 - Silicon Dioxide with various inclusions/impurities

ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: Aries-(March-21-to-April-19), Scorpio-(October-23-to-November-21)

NUMERICAL VIBRATION: Number-6

HARDNESS: 7-Hardness

COLOR: Black

LOCATION: Africa, Brazil

RARITY: Uncommon

MINERAL CLASS: Silicates

ISSUES AND AILMENTS (PHYSICAL): Health-and-Healing, Nutrient/Mineral/Vitamin-Absorption, Pain-Relief, Post-Surgery-Healing

ISSUES AND AILMENTS (EMOTIONAL): Emotional-Stabilizing

ISSUES AND AILMENTS (SPIRITUAL): Cleansing, Grounding, Manifestation, Release-and-Dispel-Negativity

EXTRA GRADE: Beautiful jet black color, opaque, < 10% matrix

A GRADE: Nice black color, opaque, 10% - 25% matrix

B GRADE: Poor black color, opaque, and/or > 25% matrix

AFFIRMATION: I am emotionally grounded and physically stable.

QUESTION: Do you use crystals or other items for scrying?

REFERENCE 1: http://www.healingcrystals.com/What_Crystals_to_Use_for_a_Hot_Stone_Facial_Massage_Articles_3438.html