Description
This 3.50-inch leopard skin jasper point is carved from richly patterned orbicular jasper showing warm tones of tan, cream, red, peach, and charcoal. Lapidary artisans shape the stone into a tall, faceted point, polishing each surface to highlight its rosette-like markings and naturally mottled texture.
Its terminating apex and well-defined faces give the piece a strong geometric presence, contrasting beautifully with the wild, organic patterning that earned this jasper its name.
Geological Background
Leopard skin jasper is an orbicular variety of chalcedony-rich jasper, formed when silica gels fill volcanic cavities and solidify into rounded “orbs,” also known as spherulites. These spherulites cluster together, creating markings reminiscent of the rosetted coat of a leopard.
Its colors reflect a mixture of mineral inclusions such as:
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Iron oxides (reds and browns)
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Manganese oxides (black or gray spots)
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Silica and chalcedony (creams and pale tones)
Mexico is a well-known source, producing material with especially clear orb-like structures and strong contrasting patterns.
Scientific Classification
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Rock Type | Orbicular Jasper (Silicified volcanic rock) |
| Mineral Class | Silicate – Microcrystalline Quartz |
| Chemical Formula | SiO₂ |
| Pattern Type | Orbicular / rosette patterns |
| Crystal System | Trigonal (microcrystalline) |
| Mohs Hardness | 6.5 – 7 |
| Locality | Mexico |
History & Cultural Context
Orbicular jaspers have been appreciated since antiquity for their natural “eye” and “rosette” patterns, which resemble animal coats, seeds, or floral motifs. Leopard skin jasper gained particular popularity among collectors and lapidaries in the mid-20th century due to its diverse palette and consistent pattern repetition.
It remains a favorite for carvings, cabochons, spheres, and decorative points because of its dense structure and ability to retain a fine polish.
Metaphysical Properties
Traditional symbolic interpretations connect leopard skin jasper with:
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Instinctive awareness, inspired by its animal-like markings
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Rooted presence, related to its earthy, grounding tones
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Natural rhythm, linked to its orbicular, seed-like structures
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Resilient energy, echoing the durability and density of jasper
Aesthetic & Collector Evaluation
At 3.50 inches, this leopard skin jasper point offers a substantial display height. Its orbicular patterns wrap around every polished face, revealing new details from each angle. The combination of warm tones and intricate rosettes makes it a visually rich addition to mineral collections, nature-inspired décor, or grounding-themed arrangements.
Care & Handling
Wipe with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals. Store separately to prevent scratching from harder crystals.









