Red Jasper: the complete guide

History and origin

Jasper is an opaque variety of microcrystalline quartz, coloured by the iron oxides that give it its red hue. Worked since antiquity for amulets, inlays and ornamental objects, it also appears in the tradition of Florentine pietra dura mosaic. In modern slabs the fragments are bonded with resin to obtain large surfaces. Marmi di Carrara supplies it on request.

Look and veining

The background is a uniform or slightly mottled red, with thin darker veins and sometimes yellowish or grey inclusions. Because the pieces have different shapes and shades, every slab has its own chromatic rhythm. Polishing gives depth to the red; the stone is not translucent and is not suited to backlighting.

Technical properties (indicative)

Recommended uses

Suitable for feature walls, furniture tops, bathroom vanity tops, shop counters and lobbies. Not recommended for floors, exteriors or kitchen worktops.

Care and maintenance

Clean with a pH-neutral detergent and a soft cloth, drying off drops of hard water. Protect the surface from hot objects and solvent-based products.

Pairings

• matt black and burnished steel
• teak or rosewood
• white marbles such as Statuario or Calacatta for a sharp contrast

FAQ