THE JASPER.
The Jasper, another variety of quartz—" Jashpeh,"— is a Precious Stone, which became known through its extensive use by artists in former times, for commemorative works, such as cameos, intaglios, etc.
The
Greek name, Jaspis, signifies a ready yielding to the engraver's
burine. According to Scriptural tradition the Jasper in the High
Priest's Breastplate represented the tribe Benjamin. The yellow Jasper
is found near the Bay of Smyrna, in Greece ; also in various other
places. A specimen of this Stone which may be seen in the British
Museum, is thought to exhibit a likeness of the Poet Chaucer.
One
" Onomakristos," five hundred years before the Christian era, has told
of " the grass-green Jasper, which rejoiceth the eye of man, and is
looked on with pleasure by the immortals."
Galen,
amongst his other sage maxims, has advised that " if a Jasper be hung
about the neck it will strengthen the stomach." Marbodeus (Marboeuf,
Bishop of Rennes), who wrote a Latin Poem, The Lapi-darium (1067-1081), described the Jasper Stone in the following verses, (fittingly translated) :—
