jasper
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jas·per
(jăs′pər)n.
An opaque cryptocrystalline variety of quartz that may be red, yellow, or brown.
[Middle English jaspre, from Anglo-Norman jaspre, variant of jaspe, from Latin iaspis, iaspid-, chrysoprase, translucent quartz, chalcedony, from Greek iaspis, probably ultimately (perhaps via an Anatolian word such as Hittite yašpu-) from a Semitic source akin to Hebrew yāšəpēh, a kind of precious stone, perhaps from Akkadian yašpû, ašpû, chalcedony, jasper, perhaps of Sumerian origin.]
jasper
(ˈdʒæspə)n
1. (Minerals) an opaque impure microcrystalline form of quartz, red, yellow, brown, or dark green in colour, used as a gemstone and for ornamental decoration
2. (Ceramics) Also called: jasperware a dense hard stoneware, invented in 1775 by Wedgwood, capable of being stained throughout its substance with metallic oxides and used as background for applied classical decoration
[C14: from Old French jaspe, from Latin jaspis, from Greek iaspis, of Semitic origin; related to Assyrian ashpū, Arabic yashb, Hebrew yāshpheh]
jas•per
(ˈdʒæs pər)n.
1. an opaque cryptocrystalline variety of quartz, usu. red or brown: often used in decorative carvings.
2. Also called jas′per•ware`. a fine colored stoneware with raised designs in white.
[1300–50; Middle English jaspe, jaspre < Middle French; Old French jaspe < Latin iaspis < Greek iáspis < Semitic; compare Akkadian yašpu]
jas′per•y, adj.
jas·per
(jăs′pər) A reddish, brown, or yellow variety of opaque quartz.
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Noun | 1. | ![]() opaque gem - a gemstone that is opaque |