Picasso jasper: a marble sold as jasper, nature and care

What is 'Picasso jasper'?

'Picasso jasper' is a trade name: it describes a pattern, not a mineral species. The black, brown and rust veins running across a beige background recall brush strokes, hence the allusion to the painter Pablo Picasso (with no link to him whatsoever). Sellers also use 'Picasso stone' or 'Picasso marble'.

Despite the word 'jasper', the sources we consulted agree on one point: this is not a true jasper. Jasper is a very hard silica rock (6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale). Picasso jasper is instead a carbonate material: a marble (a limestone transformed by heat and pressure) or a dolomite, whose veins contain iron oxides such as hematite and limonite, and sometimes graphite. See also the pages on metamorphic rocks and dolomite.

The sources disagree: what we know and what we do not

• Composition: dolomite (calcium and magnesium carbonate) according to some sellers, calcite according to others, 'marble' for most. Telling them apart requires analysis.
• Origin: mineral sellers almost all cite Utah (Beaver County, Mineral Mountains according to one of them), but another site refers to the Owyhee area (Idaho and Oregon). We cannot settle the question.
• Hardness: about 3 to 4 for the carbonate background; one entry gives 4 to 7 including the harder oxide veins. Seller listings show 5.5 to 6.5 'like jasper', but without a source and inconsistent with the chemistry.
• Status of the name: 'Picasso' is not a mineralogical term; sellers themselves say so. It may therefore cover batches of slightly different materials.

No independent geological study has been found; all our sources are mineral dealers. We have therefore written this page with caution.

Traditional symbolism

The 'artistic' patterns have given the stone associations with creativity, imagination, originality and freedom of expression. It is often suggested to artists and to people who write or draw.

These associations are very recent and rest on a play on the painter's name. They have no ancient roots and no scientific proof. A stone does not replace practice or medical advice.

Traditional correspondences

See the sacral chakra and the origin of the chakras.

How to use it

• As a tumbled stone: a pebble to hold or to place on a writing desk.
• As a sculpture: sphere, egg, heart or small carved animal, on a stand; marble is easy to carve.
• In beads or as a cabochon: better for jewellery worn occasionally, since the background is soft (see below) (jewellery guide).
• As decoration: coaster, small dish, paperweight.

Care and cleansing

Care for it as you would a marble: a soft stone, sensitive to acids.

• Cleaning: a soft damp cloth, without product. No vinegar, lemon, limescale remover or acidic household cleaner: they dull and attack the polish.
• Water: a quick rinse is possible; no prolonged soaking.
• Ultrasonic cleaners and steam: to be avoided.
• Sunlight and heat: no particular risk, but avoid strong heat.
• Salt: to be avoided, as it damages the polish.
• Knocks and scratches: hardness of about 3 to 4: it is easily scratched by hard stones (quartz) and hard metal objects. Store it separately.
• Symbolic cleansing: smoke or sound (guide).

Recognising what you have in hand

Do not use acid to test a stone: it would damage it. For safe methods, see testing a stone and real or fake stone. You can also refer to our commitments: we state the nature of the stone, which is precisely the question here.

How to choose

Picasso jasper is very affordable: do not pay the price of a true jasper. Choose a pattern you like, an even polish and a piece without cracks or chips. For a sculpture, prefer simple shapes (sphere, egg), which are less fragile than an object with fine details.

Pairings: with landscape jasper, cappuccino jasper or dalmatian jasper, for a set of stones with artistic patterns.

Frequently asked questions

Also read

The meanings mentioned belong to tradition and symbolism. They are neither promises of results nor medical advice. Back to Guide to stones.