Morrisonite is a semi-precious gemstone that is a type of “porcelain picture jasper," characterized by its ability to take a high polish and by its distinctive patterns that often resemble landscape images.
These patterns, which include the “orbs” that are highly prized in specimens of Morrisonite, are formed when solutions of silica and various colorific minerals (such as iron oxide, which give Morrisonite its characteristically vibrant red, brown, and orange, and green colors) are deposited in pre-existing cavities in volcanic rock to form veins or nodules.
Where does Morrisonite come from?
Morrison Ranch jasper is found in only one place in the world: a few outcroppings in the wall of the Owyhee River canyon in southeastern Oregon. The stone is named after James Morison, who owned the ranch on which it was discovered in the early 1930s.
Morrisonite is superb for great jewelry
Morrisonite jasper is featured in many of the belt buckles, bolos and jewelry found at SFM Designs because its unique patterns and colors are a particularly beautiful representation of Nature, the ultimate artist!
I try to find especially captivating and colorful "scenes" or patterns in slabs of Morrisonite... and then provide discerning and appreciative customers the opportunity to display these beautiful pieces in the form of wearable art and jewelry, handbag adornments, key fobs, and more.
Why is Morrisonite prized by collectors?
Morrisonite is appreciated for both its unique beauty and rarity. It’s a great stone for use in jewelry-making because it is durable and easy to work with, and it can be polished to a high shine. No two cabachons are alike.
It's also a stone you don't see everyday. The exact amount of Morrisonite that has been mined at the Morrison Ranch is unknown. Perhaps only a few tons of the stone have ever been extracted. The last known commercial mining took place in the 1970s.
Since then, the stone has become increasingly rare and valuable. Today, a small amount of Morrisonite is still found by prospectors, but it is mostly used for personal collections or sold to high-end jewelry makers, like SFM Designs.
Due to its limited supply, Morrisonite is likely to become even more valuable in the future. This makes it a wise investment for collectors. But even better: It's a stone that’s sure to turn heads wherever you go.
SFM Designs specializes in hand-crafted one-of-a-kind belt buckles, bolo ties, and jewelry featuring natural, semi-precious stones (including Morrisonite), as well as custom metal casting and leather work.
