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At the meeting of the Columbia River and Oregon’s rolling basalt canyons lies the birthplace of one of Earth’s most artistic stones — Biggs Jasper. Formed millions of years ago in the fiery wake of volcanic eruptions, this scenic jasper captures Oregon’s desert essence in soft browns, ochres, and blues that resemble painted canyon horizons.
Discovered near the town of Biggs Junction in the mid-20th century, Biggs Jasper became the template by which all other picture jaspers are compared. Its layered, fluid scenes evoke desert rivers, windswept mesas, and the passage of time itself.
This pillar post explores the geology, discovery, formation, varieties, and collector value of Biggs Jasper — Oregon’s signature jasper and the cornerstone of America’s scenic stone heritage.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral Family | Jasper (Chalcedony, SiO₂) |
| Chemical Formula | SiO₂ (Silicon Dioxide) |
| Formation Type | Silicified volcanic mudstone and tuff |
| Color Source | Iron oxides, manganese, and organic residues |
| Hardness | 6.5 – 7 (Mohs) |
| Luster | Waxy to vitreous |
| Transparency | Opaque |
| Texture | Fine-grained, dense chalcedony |
| Primary Locality | Biggs Junction, Wasco County, Oregon, USA |
Biggs Jasper formed during the Miocene Epoch, approximately 15–17 million years ago, when vast volcanic eruptions of the Columbia River Basalt Group reshaped the Pacific Northwest.
As molten basalt cooled and fractured, ash and silt from nearby volcanoes filled in low-lying floodplains and river channels. Over time, silica-rich groundwater percolated through these volcanic sediments, gradually replacing them with microcrystalline quartz.
The characteristic swirling bands and scenic patterns formed from:
Each layer records a different episode of volcanic and sedimentary history, frozen together into a natural painting millions of years in the making.
The original Biggs Jasper deposit was found just west of Biggs Junction, near the Columbia River Gorge in Wasco County, Oregon.
It occurs within silicified mudstone layers sandwiched between flows of basaltic lava.
Significant localities include:
Most original Biggs deposits are now exhausted or inaccessible due to highway construction and environmental protection, making vintage Biggs slabs highly collectible.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Colors | Chocolate brown, tan, ochre, cream, soft blue-gray. |
| Pattern Type | Flowing, ribbon-like, or swirling bands resembling hills and rivers. |
| Texture | Dense, compact grain with mirror polish capability. |
| Distinguishing Features | Curving “landscape” lines with soft, painterly flow — less linear than Owyhee or Deschutes. |
| Common Variations | China Hollow Jasper (richer red-brown tones). |
Biggs Jasper’s distinctive fluid banding and “painterly” effect are caused by slow deformation of sediment layers during silicification, producing soft, wavelike scenes instead of crisp horizons.
The discovery of Biggs Jasper dates back to the 1940s, when road crews constructing Highway 97 unearthed the first deposits near the small town of Biggs Junction.
Lapidaries quickly recognized its beauty, and Biggs became one of the first commercially traded scenic jaspers in the United States.
By the 1950s and 1960s, Biggs Jasper was showcased in gem and mineral shows across the country, establishing Oregon as a world-class source for picture jaspers. Its unique look inspired a generation of cutters, artists, and collectors.
Today, “Biggs” is used generically for other scenic jaspers, but true Biggs Jasper refers only to material from the original locality and its geological equivalents.
| Variety | Tone & Color | Pattern Style | Primary Scene Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owyhee Jasper | Light tan, gray, soft blue | Wide, horizon scenes | Desert skies |
| Biggs Jasper | Tan, brown, ochre | Flowing, painterly swirls | Rivers and hills |
| Deschutes Jasper | Red, gold, gray | Sharp horizons | Canyon cliffs |
Biggs Jasper is the most fluid and organic of the three, with its characteristic flow-band landscapes appearing more like brushstrokes than stratified lines.
| Factor | High-Grade Indicator |
|---|---|
| Pattern Complexity | Rich, flowing designs with contrast and movement. |
| Color Depth | Balanced tones of tan, brown, and gray with subtle transitions. |
| Finish | Mirror polish — no pits or matte areas. |
| Integrity | No fractures crossing the main pattern. |
| Origin Documentation | Provenance from Biggs Junction or China Hollow. |
Because old-stock Biggs Jasper is no longer actively mined, material with verified locality provenance commands significant collector premiums.
Biggs Jasper’s silky polish and flowing design make it ideal for:
Its natural durability and fine-grained texture allow mirror finishing, making it one of the most rewarding jaspers to cut and polish.
Modern Biggs Jasper is sourced primarily from legacy stock, recycled slabs, and small surface collections from existing tailings.
This limited availability ensures that new environmental disturbance is minimal, and the trade revolves around preserving vintage material rather than new extraction.
Collectors are encouraged to document provenance and locality, helping maintain the scientific and historical integrity of the material.
In metaphysical circles, Biggs Jasper symbolizes stability, creativity, and connection to Earth’s flow of time — a reflection of its organic, swirling landscapes.
Though such meanings are symbolic, the stone’s grounding palette and serene patterns genuinely evoke a sense of balance and patience, echoing the slow rhythm of geological change.
1. What makes Biggs Jasper unique among picture jaspers?
Its fluid, painterly banding — softer and more organic than horizon jaspers.
2. Where is Biggs Jasper found?
Primarily near Biggs Junction, Oregon, with small satellite deposits like China Hollow.
3. Is Biggs Jasper still mined?
Not actively — most available material is old stock or reclaimed.
4. Is Biggs Jasper a true jasper?
Yes — it’s fully silicified microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂).
5. How can I tell if it’s genuine Biggs Jasper?
Look for smooth, flowing bands in tan-brown hues and provenance from Oregon.
6. What’s the best way to polish Biggs Jasper?
A fine diamond compound (50,000 grit) brings out a rich glassy sheen.
Biggs Jasper is more than a gemstone — it’s the geological signature of Oregon’s volcanic past, a record of lava, water, and time blending into art.
Its natural landscapes remind us that the Earth itself is a painter, using minerals as pigments and time as its brush.
As the first and most iconic member of the Oregon Picture Jasper Belt, Biggs Jasper stands as both a scientific marvel and a lapidary legend — proof that even mud and ash can become masterpieces. Love jasper and want more? Explore our Mine to Mind Series for great articles like Mookaite, Fancy Jasper, Polychrome, Brecciated, Poppy Jasper, Bloodstone Jasper, Imperial, . Explore our free E-Book Library for deeper information on various subjects. Shop Jasper points, animals, tumbled stone and mineral specimens.
At Grounded Lifestyles, our love for crystals began in the peaceful flow of Reiki and energy healing sessions — where we saw how natural stones could amplify intentions, restore balance, and bring comfort. But the more time we spent with these treasures, the more curious we became about their origins. That curiosity led us into the fascinating world of geology and mineral specimen collecting. We fell in love not just with the energy of crystals, but with the science and artistry of their creation — the intricate crystal structures, the vibrant mineral hues, and the wonder of holding a piece of Earth’s history in our hands.
