Coquina Jasper

Coquina Jasper is a stone of many names, also known as Indian Script Stone, Cobra Jasper, Script Stones, or Arabic Script Stones.

This Jasper variety comprises coral or shells embedded in sedimentary rocks. The coral or shells give this incredible stone its distinctive pattern, which makes each stone unique, as no two stones will ever be the same. As you can see from the image below, the patterns are quite unique and the yellows and brown colors come to life when you polish it.

 

 

FAQ For Coquina Jasper

Coquina Jasper or Miriam Stone is called the Caligraphy Stone and Elephant Skin Jasper. It is a unique mineral composed of bones, fossilized shells, and vegetation from an old and ancient swamp.

As a graduate gemologist, I have never seen a Jasper, or stone for that matter have so many different names. You’ll want to take note of these alternate names because it will help you identify the stone quickly when you see these names at your local rock and mineral show.

Aside from the stone’s interesting and unique formation, it’s also highly sought-after primarily because Coquina Jasper has a stunning physical appearance. The story of its creation seems to pique the interest of collectors who appreciate the history of fine minerals. I don’t believe there’s another stone quite like this one. It has ancient vegetation, bones, and aquatic animals inside a brown matrix. Sure, you can find Petrified Wood and other fossils but those don’t come close to Coquina Jasper.

 

What Is Coquina Jasper?

Coquina Jasper is an ancient Jasper variety with a distinct grainy structure. While the stone hails from India, the name translates from Spanish, meaning cockleshells or shellfish.

This consolidated sedimentary rock with biochemical origins primarily comprises the mineral Calcite. It often includes some Phosphate in the form of coral or shells and forms near the shore where continuous wave action is vigorous.

 

Where Is Coquina Jasper Found?

There are claims that Coquina Jasper has been found in several places around the globe. However, when you trace the stone’s origins back down the timeline, you’ll find it comes from Rajasthan, India. Water once surrounded the area hundreds of years ago. When the land’s features shifted and changed, the water levels also changed, making way for people to discover what was beneath.

 

 

How To Identify Coquina Jasper

Coquina Jasper isn’t usually enhanced or treated in any way, like many stones on the market. These beautiful stones will take a medium to good polish. However, the hardness level can vary, and the stone sometimes contains tiny surface pits.

According to the Mohs Hardness Scale, Coquina Jasper ranges from 6.5 to 7. However, the hardness can easily vary from one stone to the next. While the stone is typically classified as a variety of Jasper because of its grainy structure, scientists often classify these beauties in their own category.

Coquina Jasper’s color is mostly a brownish to reddish hue with stripes or streaks of orange-yellow patterns. Some specimens appear to have hints of gold color.

Don’t be fooled. It might seem like this Jasper variety is complicated to imitate because the patterns look like incredible works of art. But there are amazing artists with the skill and talent to duplicate faux versions.

Real Jasper can be difficult to identify and distinguish from other natural minerals, especially Chalcedony varieties. However, Jasper varieties can be easily distinguished from fakes made of plastic and glass.

To identify most Jasper varieties, all you have to do is check the stone’s hardness and diaphaneity. Use a bright flashlight to light the Jasper specimen in question. If the material doesn’t transmit light through the thin slices, you have a real Jasper. Faux or fake Jasper made from plastic is softer and can be scratched with a knife. They will also fail the hot needle test.

Remember, Jasper identification is restricted to two primary properties, the stone’s hardness, and opacity.

 

 

Coquina Jasper Value

While Coquina Jasper contains intricate details gifted by Mother Nature, it’s not as expensive as one might assume. The wholesale price for finished goods is $25.00 per pound, wholesale. A rough one-pound slab currently sells for about $12 to $15. Remember, the more detailed the cuts and designs, and the larger the specimens are, the higher the cost will be.

If you’re looking to source high-quality Coquina Jasper, like the one above then here’s a trusted online seller.