Bumble Bee

Bumble Bee "Jasper" is one of the most visually electric stones we carry — and one of the most honestly misnamed. Despite being widely sold as a jasper, it's actually a Travertine with a calcite base — a carbonate-rich volcanic rock made of radially grown fibrous calcite with striking yellow, orange and black banding that perfectly mimics the colors of a bumblebee. Hence the name. It was first discovered on the island of West Java, Indonesia in the 1990s and has been captivating jewelry makers and collectors ever since. One important thing to know: the yellow color comes from sulfur and the stone also contains arsenic — both naturally occurring but both worth being careful about. Always wash your hands after handling, especially if doing any cutting or lapidary work. Finished and polished beads are safe to wear, just treat them with care.