Morgan Hill Poppy Jasper: A Legendary Stone from California.

2 days ago
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“Morgan Hill Poppy Jaspers” are highly sought after by collectors in both the United States and Europe. These magnificent stones come from a jasper vein that stretches for several kilometers along the Santa Cruz Mountains in Santa Clara County, California, USA. Their geological history dates back to discoveries made in the 1930s, when the first deposits were found near Paradise Valley, southwest of Morgan Hill. This is why the material was initially called “Paradise Jasper” before adopting its current name.

Morgan Hill Poppy Jaspers were first described by Albert Walcott in his book *Origins of Orbicular Jasper*. These stones are particularly prized for their distinctive spherical patterns, ranging in color from reddish-brown to red, which are found in most specimens extracted from geological veins. Similar jaspers are also found in the Llagas Creek area, located a few miles northwest of Gilroy, where the colors vary slightly, further adding to the diversity of this unique stone.

Geologically, these veins are found within the Franciscan Complex, a rock formation surrounded by serpentinites, which gives them a unique composition and texture. The finest specimens of these jases are distinguished by concentric yellow and orange spheres, which contrast sharply with the stone’s background and make them a highly sought-after choice for jewelry and collecting.

It is interesting to note that a beer brewed by El Toro Brewing Co. was named in honor of this exceptional stone, highlighting the cultural and geological significance of Morgan Hill Poppy Jaspers.