Ocean jasper is a highly sought-after crystal among crystal enthusiasts. However, not all of the ocean jasper on the market is actually ocean jasper. Before I explain what you’re actually buying, let’s take a look at the history of ocean jasper.
The History of Ocean Jasper
After many unsuccessful attempts, ocean jasper was formally discovered by mineralogist Paul Obeniche in Madagascar in 1999. This crystal was given its name because it was found along the shoreline of the Indian Ocean during low tide. Not all ocean jasper is mined along the coast, however. Some veins are more inland.
The following year, in 2000, Obeniche showed off his discovery at the Tucson Gem Show. It was a hit, to say the least, with the first two veins being completely mined out by 2006. Obeniche inspired many, and he began mentoring the owner of Enter the Earth, Nader Kawar. In 2013, Enter the Earth started operating the ocean jasper mine near a village in Madagascar called Morovato. Obeniche has since passed away, and Enter the Earth continues to oversee the mine.
Ocean Jasper's Trademark
Enter the Earth owns the trademark for ocean jasper, which gives them the exclusive legal right to the name. This means that only the material from their Marovato mine can be labeled ocean jasper. With that being said, many crystal sellers are incorrectly using the name ocean jasper. They are generally not trying to mislead people; they are simply unaware that they are doing anything wrong.
So, what should you call ocean jasper that did not come from the Marovato mine operated by Enter the Earth? The most common name you’ll see on the market is sea jasper. Let’s take a look at the difference between sea jasper and ocean jasper.
The Difference Between Sea Jasper and Ocean Jasper
The main difference between sea jasper and ocean jasper is their locality. Ocean jasper comes from a specific mine near Marovato, and sea jasper comes from other mines in Madagascar. These crystals also vary slightly in appearance. Ocean jasper tends to have a distinctive orbicular pattern that sea jasper lacks. Despite these small differences, these crystals have the same metaphysical healing properties.
Conclusion
Whether you own a crystal shop or you’re just an avid collector, I encourage you to take a deeper look at where your crystals come from so you can label them appropriately. You don’t want to infringe on a trademark for legal purposes and out of respect for the trademark owner. Unless you are completely sure your ocean jasper is from the Marovato mine, you should refrain from using the name to be safe. Nonetheless, both sea jasper and ocean jasper are beautiful crystals with powerful healing properties. You can click here to take a look at our available sea jasper.
— Camika ♡
