Jasper beads are a group of gemstones that are a Chalcedony Quartz variety. The name `jasper` is derived from the Greek word meaning spotted stone. Most jasper is a finely grained, dense stone consisting of 20 percent foreign elements which determine its color, streak and appearance in an opaque quality gem. We think our beads are cut to display Jasper at its finest for color and for shape. Deposits are found in Egypt, Brazil, India, Canada, Madagascar and the United States.