Colour: Black, Yellow, Orange, Grey.
Crystal System: Trigonal crystal system
Chemical Formula: CaCO3
Anhydrite, hematite, sulfur, arsenic as well as other elements.
Hardness (Mohs): 2.5-5
Specific Gravity: 2.5-2.9
Refractive Index: 1.54
Origin of this stone: Kuningan, West Java, Indonesia.
Bumble Bee Jasper is an unusual stone that was formed where a volcano opened to the earth. A carbonate rich rock first discovered on the island of Java during the 1990s. The material is soft, being easy to cut and polish. It is a notoriously difficult mineral to find because the volcanic mine where BumbleBee Jasper is located has activated from its previously dormant state. It comes from Mount Papandayan in West Java, Indonesia.
There is much debate over whether it is a true jasper or an agate, as some have called it. The lovely patterns on this stone often imitate the colouring found on bumblebees, hence its’ name. The yellow colouring is due to the presence of sulfur, which is toxic as is arsenic, so care should be taken and always wash your hands after handling. It is recommended to enjoy this stone as a display piece or in jewellery the shields you from constant exposure. Cabochons can be given a coat of sealant to achieve this.
This material is natural, untreated stone suitable for display or lapidary purposes.
These slabs are not polished and are straight off the saw and washed.
Photos are taken wet so to indicate the colour and pattern of the stone after it has been polished. No filters or photo editing has been undertaken to enhance colouration.
Slab measurements are approximate. When we measure a stone, we don't measure from it's extreme pointy little tips. We measure the usable body of the stone for lapidary purposes. When you receive your slab, it will be bigger than the description by 5-15mm.