This is a beautiful 29ct American Owyhee Picture Jasper cabochon, in the shape of an oval. This sample is good for those interested in collecting the many forms of agate, jasper, or sometimes other minerals. Jasper is a form of chalcedony quartz, and is opaque rather than clear or translucent like regular quartz or agate. It contains an abundance of impurities which give its interesting appearance. I understand that there are over 3,000 forms of jasper.

Owyhee Picture Jasper comes from the Owyhee mountain area situated on the Idaho-Oregon border. It is known as the "King" of Picture Jaspers. It is becoming increasingly rare, as mining equipment is no longer allowed in this area.

Although this is a cab, you can also glue on "bails", or have the piece drilled to accept a pinch bail. Either approach will let you turn this sample into a fine pendant. Alternatively, this type of jasper, along with it's pattern, could be made into an exceptional belt buckle.