Jasper Jasper Jasper, an aggregate of microgranular quartz and/or chalcedony and other mineral phases, is an opaque, impure variety of silica, usually red, yellow, brown or green in color; and rarely blue. The common red color is due to iron(III) inclusions. The mineral aggregate breaks with a smooth surface and is used for ornamentation or as a gemstone. It can be highly polished and is used for items such as vases, seals, and snuff boxes. The specific gravity of jasper is typically 2.5 to 2.9. A green variety with red spots, known as heliotrope (bloodstone), is one of the traditional birthstones
USS Heliotrope (1863) USS Heliotrope (1863) USS "Heliotrope" (1863) was a wooden steamer acquired by the Union Navy for use during the American Civil War. In addition to patrol duty, "Heliotrope" performed other services, such as towing and dispatch running. "Heliotrope", a wooden steamer, was originally named "Maggie Baker", and was purchased by the Navy from her owner, Stacey Pitcher, at New York City on 16 December 1863. Renamed "Heliotrope", she commissioned at New York Navy Yard 24 April 1864. "Heliotrope" was assigned initially to the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, and sailed soon after her commissioning to Hampton Roads, Virginia, where she served