Quick Facts
Formation & Origin
Kambaba jasper (also called crocodile jasper or green stromatolite jasper) is a dark green to black orbicular stone from Madagascar. There's ongoing debate about its exact nature. It was originally marketed as a stromatolite (fossilized cyanobacteria), but geological analysis suggests it's more likely an orbicular volcanic rhyolite.
The distinctive dark green and black orbicular patterns form during the cooling of silica-rich volcanic flows. As the lava cooled, radial crystallization created the circular 'eye' patterns that characterize orbicular rocks. The dark green color comes from a combination of iron-rich minerals and chlorite within the silica matrix.
Regardless of the stromatolite debate, kambaba jasper is a genuinely ancient stone. The volcanic rocks it comes from are Precambrian in age, making the material hundreds of millions to billions of years old.
Identification Guide
Kambaba jasper is identified by its dark green to nearly black color with distinctive round orbicular patterns (dark circles or 'eyes' on a slightly lighter green background). The overall impression is dark and moody compared to other green jaspers.
Distinguish from nebula stone (different pattern, not orbicular), moss agate (translucent, different structure), and ocean jasper (much more colorful, lighter tones). Kambaba jasper's dark, nearly monochromatic green-black palette is distinctive.
Spotting Fakes
Kambaba jasper is affordable enough that outright fakes are uncommon. The main issue is misrepresentation of origin. Some sellers label any dark green orbicular stone as kambaba jasper. Genuine material from Madagascar has a specific look: very dark green to black with subtle orbicular patterns rather than dramatic color contrasts. The name 'kambaba' has no official geological standing.
Cultural & Metaphysical Traditions
Presented as cultural traditions, not scientific evidence
Kambaba jasper is associated with grounding, patience, and connecting to Earth's ancient rhythms. Its extreme geological age connects it to themes of deep time and ancestral wisdom. The orbicular patterns are sometimes interpreted as eyes, giving it associations with perception and awareness. Practitioners use it for calming anxiety and finding peace in nature.
Where It's Found
Primary commercial source
Some similar material
Price Guide
Good to Know
Scratch test: At hardness 6.5, Kambaba Jasper resists scratching from a knife but can be scratched by quartz. Best for pendants and earrings rather than rings.
Sources: Found in 2 notable locations worldwide, from Madagascar to South Africa.
Heft test: Kambaba Jasper has average mineral density (2.58-2.91). It feels about as heavy as you'd expect from a stone its size.