Jewelry and Gemstone Glossary of Terms

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Jacinth
(Hyacinth)

A brown, orange, reddish-brown or yellow zircon. See Hyacinth. This stone is mentioned in Ex. 28:19 as the first stone of the third row in the high priest's breastplate. The Breastplate of Aaron is believed to be the basis for the origin of birthstones and Jacinth is referenced in several of the ancient birthstone charts.

Jade

An opaque, stone found in shades of green, light purple, yellow, pink and creamy white shades. The term jade is often used to describe both jadeite and nephrite which are similar in appearance and use. The best quality jade comes from Myanmar (formerly Burma). Jade is not only a hard stone, 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, but is also an extremely tough stone which allows it to be cut as a solid piece and used for a ring or bracelet.

Jasper

Jasper is an opaque and fine grained variety of chalcedony quartz. It is found all over the world in all colors including: red, brown, pink, yellow, green, grey/white and shades of blue and purple and is often spotted (Dalmatian), striped (banded jasper), and/or multi colored (picture jasper, poppy jasper).

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