OceanJasper.org ~ Preservation Appreciation Research

Book Contents (Copyright 2019, © Susanne Lomatch, published on Amazon):
-Part I Introduction: Ocean Jasper: Why We Need To Preserve It
-Part II Theory of Formation, 2019: Ocean Jasper (Spherulitic Chalcedony) of Madagascar: Model/Theory of Formation

Photos from the translator's collection that closely match those shown in Lieber's 2003 article, with explanation and discussion. Readers should note that all of the specimens shown in Lieber's original work (10 figures, 14 photos) were mined 2003 and earlier, and contain many of the archetypes of Ocean Jasper that have been identified from later mined deposits. "Old stock" Ocean Jasper is commonly recognized by the collector community as all of the material mined from 1999-2006, from both Marovato (off shore) and Kabamby (inland) deposits. Since no cataloguing was kept on what variety was mined when and where (other than obvious varieties such as the highly recognized Kabamby type), researchers and collectors must make estimates of mining date, deposit/location, etc. Mapping specimen pieces together has been one valuable tool for this effort, as has been identifying original sale and/or photo dates of rough and polished specimens. It is not known whether there were more than two "localized" deposits of off-shore collection sites. This researcher believes that there may have been more than the identified two large deposits that produced the bulk of the material mined between 1999-2006 from Marovato, as there are isolated cases of specimens collected much earlier, dating back to the 1960s. Lieber's specimens are not labeled according to mining location, and contain specimens similar to both Marovato and Kabamby type. "Old stock" Marovato material was tapped out in 2006. There have been several "new finds" since, between 2013-2019, all reportedly further inland. Kabamby material is primarily a "surface" collection over a wide inland area and is still collected today. This Specimen Gallery serves as a resource to other researchers and collectors on "early" collection material, as well as the special features of this amazingly complex wonder.

A short description of the dynamics involved in producing the myriad of patterns in Ocean Jasper.

Why do spherulite tails occur in Ocean Jasper? A Tale of a Whale's Tail.

An in-depth explanation of these phenomena.

Answers to questions I've received from curious minds, mostly about formation theory.

Additional explanations regarding color and pronounced color zoning.

I have translated Werner Lieber's seminal 2003 article in Lapis from German to English. Figures can be found in the original Lapis article, only the text is translated. I have recently added photos from my own collection that are similar to Lieber's original photos (copyright protected). This Interpretive Specimen Guide, 2021 has extensive analysis and commentary and is worth a visit.

New comprehensive research (2003-2019) and review work from my hand has now been published in a book available in either eBook or Paperback format, on Amazon, and iBook from Apple Books, the first book published on Ocean Jasper. All sale proceeds are donated to ongoing and future research studies, particularly toward the costs of expensive lab testing.

New petrological research results are now available, see Mindat link above. This is Part I of a multi-part study, Part II will include the results and analysis from other testing modalities. The new and "next-step" work involves 16 samples from 7 specimens. Cost of Part I studies reported above was $653; estimated cost of Part II studies is at least $2500. If you'd like to support these expensive studies, buy the book, all net author proceeds are donated to these studies!