Deschutes Jasper: Polished Collector's Display Slab; Colorful Abstract Pattern

This is a top-quality and impressive gem-grade polished display specimen slab of rare Deschutes jasper. They don't get much better, or more unique, than this specimen, even in museums. To me, this piece looks like an abstract painting featuring broken-up mountains piled under an early-morning sky. Lots of dendrite "trees", blue and mauve brushstrokes, bold outlines, and sfumato blends. The slab also features a large hole lined with buff opalite rind. These holes were often/usually the result of organic matter (tree limb or even bone) being trapped in the bedding material before it solidified. In at least one case, a fossil fish bone was found in a Deschutes piece. The polish is glass-like, though there are a very few, very light storage scratches. This is thick enough to tempt cutting into fine gemstones, but I personally think its original intent as a display piece should be honored, as there is no more of this wonderful material left to be dug and the unworked rough is now exceedingly scarce. The acrylic display stand shown is included. This one is both rare and impressive. Pieces of this caliber were difficult to find even back when Deschutes was more easily obtainable.

Deschutes is one of the premier ""porcelain"" jaspers (so-named because of the glass-like polish which it takes). Deschutes, Morrisonite and Imperial jaspers are the triumvirate representing highest-quality jaspers, and each has been given the designation ""King of Jaspers"" by various writers. Although it is sometimes confused with the nearby Biggs jasper, Deschutes usually has tighter patterns, a different color palette and is more dense (more highly silicified). Deschutes jasper is now extinct; although the deposit was totally exhausted over 40 years ago, it is still highly sought after by collectors. A stunning display piece worthy of a museum-quality collection.

The photos were taken with the material dry under natural light. A display stand is included, as shown. Colors in the photos appear more yellowish than they are in-hand, due to the natural lighting.

Approx. Size: 11.5 x 97 x 4.9 mm
Approx. Weight: 104.2 g
Shape/Cut: irregular/slab polished 1 side
Origin: junction of the Deschutes and Columbia Rivers, Sherman County, Oregon (USA)
Known treatment(s): none

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