Jasper | n. [ OE. jaspre, jaspe, OF. jaspre, jaspe, F. jaspe, L. iaspis, Gr. &unr_;; cf. Per. yashp, yashf, Ar. yashb, yasb, yasf, Heb. yāshpheh. Cf. Diaper. ] (Min.) An opaque, impure variety of quartz, of red, yellow, and other dull colors, breaking with a smooth surface. It admits of a high polish, and is used for vases, seals, snuff boxes, etc. When the colors are in stripes or bands, it is called striped jasper or banded jasper. The Egyptian pebble is a brownish yellow jasper. [ 1913 Webster ] Jasper opal, a yellow variety of opal resembling jasper. -- Jasper ware, a delicate kind of earthenware invented by Josiah Wedgwood. It is usually white, but is capable of receiving color. [ 1913 Webster ]
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