from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Jasper \Jas"per\, n. [OE. jaspre, jaspe, OF. jaspre, jaspe, F.
jaspe, L. iaspis, Gr. ?; cf. Per. yashp, yashf, Ar. yashb,
yasb, yasf, Heb. y[=a]shpheh. Cf. {Diaper}.] (Min.)
An opaque, impure variety of quartz, of red, yellow, and
other dull colors, breaking with a smooth surface. It admits
of a high polish, and is used for vases, seals, snuff boxes,
etc. When the colors are in stripes or bands, it is called
{striped jasper} or {banded jasper}. The Egyptian pebble is a
brownish yellow jasper.
[1913 Webster]
{Jasper opal}, a yellow variety of opal resembling jasper.
{Jasper ware}, a delicate kind of earthenware invented by
Josiah Wedgwood. It is usually white, but is capable of
receiving color.
[1913 Webster]