Red Jasper Sphere

This Red Jasper Sphere was cut, shaped, and polished by Zimbabwean sculptor Jorum Chiyangwa.
While Chiyangwa is well known for his “stretching” abstract figure sculptures, he also produces polished freeforms, eggs, and spheres such as this, which are widely popular and easier to market to larger audiences. Stones are sourced locally in Zimbabwe and are refined by Chiyangwa in his workshop located in the Chapungu Sculpture Park in the capital city of Harare.
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RED JASPER  is a variety of chalcedony, a microcrystalline form of quartz, known for its rich red color due to iron oxide inclusions. It forms through sedimentary processes where silica-rich fluids percolate through layers of sediment, hydrothermal activity involving mineral-rich water flowing through rock fractures, or volcanic activity where silica from volcanic ash mixes with iron oxide. These processes lead to the crystallization of jasper, often resulting in striking patterns and streaks.
In Zimbabwe, red jasper formation is closely tied to the geological context of the Zimbabwe Craton, an ancient and stable part of the Earth's crust. The interaction between silica-rich fluids and iron-bearing minerals within the craton's rocks facilitates the crystallization of red jasper. Low-grade metamorphic processes also contribute to its formation by altering existing sedimentary rocks under heat and pressure. Red jasper deposits are commonly found in mineral-rich areas, including gold mines, and are extracted alongside other valuable minerals.
Red jasper is valued for its decorative and industrial uses. Its attractive color and durability make it popular in jewelry and ornamental items, while its hardness and chemical resistance lend it to various industrial applications, such as abrasives. Culturally, red jasper holds significance in many traditions, often believed to have protective and healing properties. In Zimbabwe, the extraction and use of red jasper play a role in the local economy and cultural heritage, highlighting the stone's multifaceted importance.