Ocean Jasper is also known as Moon Jewel Jasper or Orbicular Jasper. We had originally thought that Ocean Jasper was the result of a fossilized algae deposit, but it is actually volcanic in nature! According to the U.S.G.S., "Orbicular Jasper forms when a silica rich rhyolitic ash flow cools quickly. Quartz and feldspar crystallize in spherulites, radial aggregates of needle like crystals, that provide the interesting structure seen in this kind of jasper." The only known source location for Ocean Jasper is a remote area along the coast of Madagascar.

This sphere is gorgeous! It has numerous druzy caves, and the swirling and radial designs are stunning. One of the patterns looks like the eyes and face of a fluffy black cat, gazing out at you (see image #9 below).