Ocean Jasper Gemstone Beads
Ocean Jasper is a stunning, orbicular gemstone, primarily harvested from the shores of Madagascar. It showcases a unique pattern of concentric circles or 'orbs' in a marvelous array of colors. The gemstone is a type of chalcedony and gets its name from its ocean-like patterns and the location where it is primarily found. Its vibrant, multi-colored designs are due to the silicification of rhyolite and ash, along with the mineral-rich waters in which it forms.
Facts: Ocean Jasper was only known from a few localities, but it wasn't until it was rediscovered off the northwest coast of Madagascar at the turn of the millennium that it gained international fame. Its rarity and limited availability make each bead a treasure, as the deposit itself is present only in the sea cliffs and can only be mined during low tide, adding a sense of mystery and allure to its already captivating appearance.
Metaphysical / Holistic: Ocean Jasper is believed to nurture and protect, often used in healing and spiritual practices. It promotes relaxation, happiness, and a sense of wholeness, embodying the rhythmic calm of the ocean from which it gets its name.
Kabamby Ocean Jasper 25-35mm Free Form Oval 8-Inch
Original price
$18.00
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Original price
$18.00
Original price
$18.00
$18.00
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$18.00
Named for the village near where it is found in Madagascar, Kabamby Ocean Jasper was first mined in 2002. It is known for its colors -- dark green ...
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Original price
$18.00
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Original price
$18.00
Original price
$18.00
$18.00
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$18.00
Ocean Jasper 14x23mm A Grade Oval Cabochon
Original price
$37.00
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Original price
$37.00
Original price
$37.00
$37.00
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$37.00
Ocean Jasper is a commercial name for Orbicular Jasper, a variety of Jasper containing variably colored spherical patterns. It forms when Quartz an...
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Original price
$37.00
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Original price
$37.00
Original price
$37.00
$37.00
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$37.00
Ocean Jasper 13x18mm AAA Grade Oval Cabochon
Original price
$42.00
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Original price
$42.00
Original price
$42.00
$42.00
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$42.00
Ocean Jasper is a commercial name for Orbicular Jasper, a variety of Jasper containing variably colored spherical patterns. It forms when Quartz an...
View full details
Original price
$42.00
-
Original price
$42.00
Original price
$42.00
$42.00
-
$42.00
Ocean Jasper 22x30mm AAA Grade Oval Cabochon
Original price
$75.00
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Original price
$75.00
Original price
$75.00
$75.00
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$75.00
Ocean Jasper is a commercial name for Orbicular Jasper, a variety of Jasper containing variably colored spherical patterns. It forms when Quartz an...
View full details
Original price
$75.00
-
Original price
$75.00
Original price
$75.00
$75.00
-
$75.00
About this stone
Color
GreenPinkWhiteCreamYellowMulti
Origin
Madagascar (Marovato)
Mohs hardness
6.5–7
Treatment categories
Natural
Industry-standard treatment
Natural — orbicular concentric-ring patterns are intrinsic to the rough; single-source from Madagascar's northwest coast
Mineral chemistry
Silicified rhyolite — volcanic rhyolite with silica replacement producing orbicular concentric-ring patterns. Classified as either rhyolite (geological origin) or chalcedony (mineral composition) depending on framing.
Crystal system
Trigonal (silica content)
Stone family
Trade name (silicified rhyolite, not microcrystalline quartz)
Common cuts
RoundFaceted RondelleNuggetFreeform
Common sizes
6mm8mm10mm12mm
Care notes
Durable (Mohs 6.5–7). Standard mild soap and soft cloth.
Related stones
Kambaba Jasper, Jasper, Rhyolite
Frequently asked questions
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Where does ocean jasper come from?
Ocean jasper is sourced almost exclusively from Madagascar's northwest coast, principally the Analalava district. The original Marovato deposit, discovered in 1955 and rediscovered for the modern bead market in 1999, was reported exhausted in the mid-2000s; material continues to come from neighboring deposits in the same geological formation along the same stretch of coastline. Ocean jasper listed without a Madagascar origin should be questioned — the variety is single-country-source. -
Is ocean jasper dyed?
No — every ocean jasper strand in Dakota's catalog is sold natural. The multi-color palette of greens, pinks, creams, whites, and yellows is intrinsic to the rhyolite chemistry, produced by iron, manganese, and other mineral inclusions during the silicification process. Ocean jasper is one of the cleaner treatment stories in the jasper family — the natural look is already what designers want, and dye is rare for the variety. -
What is the orb pattern in ocean jasper?
The orbs — concentric rings of color — are structural, not surface decoration. Ocean jasper formed when silica-rich solutions percolated through volcanic rhyolite, filling spherulitic cavities with concentric layers of chalcedony and mineral inclusions. When the rough is cut and polished, each bead exposes a different cross-section of those spheres. That's why bead-to-bead variation is substantial in ocean jasper: every bead is a different slice through the underlying orbicular structure. -
What's the difference between ocean jasper and other orbicular or multi-color jaspers?
Ocean jasper shows concentric-ring orbs in a multi-color palette (greens, pinks, creams, yellows) and is sourced from Madagascar. Polychrome jasper (also Madagascan) shows mottled red-ochre-mustard-brown patterning without the concentric orb structure. Kambaba jasper (also Madagascan) shows deep green with dark spots — orbicular in places but without ocean jasper's color range. Each is a distinct variety from the same broad region; the buying decision is pattern and palette. -
What sizes and shapes does Dakota carry?
Our active ocean jasper inventory includes 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, and 12mm rounds, with freeform and rondelle variants in select sizes. 8mm is the most stocked size; 6mm, 10mm, and 12mm are well-represented. Full size and shape availability is filterable in the grid above; designers replenishing an existing design can confirm exact strand specifications on each listing — ask before buying if a detail isn't specified.