Bumblebee Jasper For Sale

Bumblebee Jasper is a striking and rare gemstone that originates from the volcanic regions of Mount Papandayan in Indonesia. This unique mineral is renowned for its vibrant, bold patterns that showcase swirling bands of yellow, orange, black, and gray. The intense yellow and orange hues are attributed to the presence of sulfur, while the contrasting black and gray bands are formed by various minerals like hematite and volcanic ash.

The gemstone's distinct coloration and patterns often resemble the bold stripes of a bumblebee, lending it both its name and a sense of lively energy. Bumblebee Jasper is not a true jasper but rather a complex mixture of volcanic matter, including anhydrite, sulfur, arsenic, and hematite. Due to its mineral composition, the stone is relatively soft and requires careful handling. It is often used in jewelry and decorative pieces, prized not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its purported metaphysical properties.

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Minerals & Crystals

$2 - $27,500

Where Is Bumble Jasper Found?

Bumblebee stone is known to only form in one specific location, which wasn’t discovered until the 1990s. It is on the active volcano Mount Papandayan in west Java, Indonesia. As of the current date, this is the only location to find bumblebee jasper, though one could conjecture that similar geologic environments would produce similar stones.

How Does Bumblebee Jasper Form?

Bumblebee Jasper forms through a unique and complex geological process within volcanic environments, particularly in hydrothermal vents found in volcanic craters like those at Mount Papandayan in Indonesia. The formation begins with volcanic activity that releases magma and creates openings in the Earth's surface. These vents and fissures allow hot gases, mineral-rich fluids, and volcanic ash to escape.

Over time, hydrothermal fluids rich in elements such as sulfur, manganese, and arsenic flow through these openings. As these hot fluids cool, they deposit layers of minerals, gradually building up intricate bands and patterns. The bright yellow and orange hues characteristic of Bumblebee Jasper come from sulfur, while the black and gray bands are formed from manganese oxides and volcanic materials like hematite and ash.

As more layers accumulate and cool, they solidify into a cohesive rock, creating the distinctive banded appearance of the stone. The interplay of various minerals and volcanic matter results in the vibrant, layered patterns that mimic the colors of a bumblebee. Variations in temperature, mineral content, and the flow of hydrothermal fluids contribute to the unique characteristics of each piece.

Is Bumblebee Jasper Actually Jasper?

No, Bumblebee Jasper is not technically a jasper. While it is commonly called "jasper" due to its vibrant appearance and banded patterns, it does not meet the mineralogical definition of true jasper.

Jasper is a variety of chalcedony, which is a microcrystalline form of quartz, meaning it is composed mostly of silicon dioxide (SiO₂). True jasper is known for its hardness and durability due to its high quartz content.

Bumblebee Jasper, on the other hand, is a composite mineral rock rather than a form of chalcedony. It is composed of a mixture of volcanic materials, including sulfur, arsenic, anhydrite, manganese oxides, and volcanic ash. This composition lacks the significant quartz content found in true jasper. The presence of sulfur and arsenic gives it the vivid yellow and orange hues, but these minerals also make it softer and more fragile compared to traditional jasper.

Is Bumblebee Jasper Toxic?

Many websites list bumblebee jasper as a toxic mineral since it contains realgar, which itself has a high arsenic content. But, the realgar with bumblebee jasper is in a polished state and is not be readily absorbed through the skin. The real danger would be to anyone cutting or polishing the stone or handling raw, unpolished bumblebee jasper. The dust created could easily be inhaled or ingested, which would pose a serious health risk.

Featured Photos

Polished Bumblebee Jasper Section - Indonesia #124375

Polished, Bumblebee Jasper Oval Cabochon - Indonesia #194736

BUMBLEBEE JASPER FOR SALE

Where Is Bumble Jasper Found?

How Does Bumblebee Jasper Form?

Is Bumblebee Jasper Actually Jasper?

Is Bumblebee Jasper Toxic?

Featured Photos