a compact, opaque, cryptocrystalline variety of quartz, usually colored red: often used in decorative carvings.
2.
Also called jasper ware, cameo ware.a fine, hard stoneware introduced c1775 by Wedgwood, stained various colors by metallic oxides, with raised designs in white.
Origin: 1300–50; ME jaspe, jaspre < MF; OF jaspe < L iaspis < Gk iáspis < Sem; cf. Ar yashb
jasper (jās'pər) Pronunciation Key
A reddish, brown, or yellow variety of chert. Jasper usually occurs in association with iron ores and contains iron impurities that give it its color.
[jas-per] 
