Deschutes Jasper Hand Cut Cabochon from Oregon

40x25 mm

Deschutes Jasper – Oregon

Deschutes Jasper is a highly prized American picture jasper from central Oregon, famous for its remarkable landscape-like patterns. Fine examples can resemble desert hills, distant mountains, forests, and sweeping horizons painted naturally within the stone.

Origin and History

Location: Originally mined near Biggs Junction and the Deschutes River area of north-central Oregon.

Appearance: Best known for intricate scenic patterns in warm shades of brown, tan, cream, gold, and reddish brown. Exceptional pieces can produce remarkably detailed landscape scenes when carefully cut and oriented.

History: Deschutes became one of the classic Oregon picture jaspers among lapidaries and collectors. Much of the best-known material came from deposits worked decades ago.

Rarity: The classic Deschutes Jasper deposits are no longer a dependable source of material, making high-quality old-stock increasingly difficult to obtain. Well-patterned pieces with strong scenic imagery are especially desirable among collectors and lapidary artists.