Description

Agates mostly occur as nodules in volcanic rocks or waters containing silica in solution possibly derived from the decomposition of silicates in the lava. The siliceous matter is deposited in regular layers resulting in the banded or striped formation.

Imperial Jasper is considered to be one of the five fine jaspers. (The other fine jaspers are Bruneau jasper, Morrisonite, Willow Creek jasper and Blue Mountain jasper).  Imperial Jasper is found about 50 miles northwest of Guadalajara, Mexico on the east side of a steep canyon. This canyon lies north of the small town of San Cristobal and its steep slopes are covered with dense vegetation. The jasper-bearing area is very large, almost 6 km long with many individual deposits, each with its own characteristics. Pink Imperial, Brown Imperial, Green Imperial, Spiderweb Imperial, Select Imperial, and Royal Imperial are all names associated with these various jasper deposits.