In the next installment of our Confusing Crystals series, we are taking a look at two minerals that are often confused due to their similar appearance, Kumbaba Jasper and Nebula Stone. Even though they may look similar, they are in fact very different. Read on as we explore why they are different and how to tell them apart.
I love learning about crystals and will always continue to explore the crystal realms as they fascinate me. As I do this I have found some crystals to be quite confusing to identify and distinguish from other similar crystals, starting with Kumbaba Jasper (sometimes spelt Kambaba Jasper) and Nebula Stone. They are two totally different stones that get confused on a regular basis.
How to tell the difference between Kumbaba Jasper and Nebula Stone
They look very similar as they have the same colour combinations, but in reverse. They are totally different geologically and minerally, created by different formation processes in different parts of the world, have different mineral combinations and as a result, they have very different energies for us to work with.
Kumbaba Jasper features a green base, with black swirls and spots. (First Image)
Nebula Stone is the reverse, featuring a black base with green swirls and spots. (Second Image (1))
You can tell them apart by their look, although this can sometimes be difficult if a piece of Kumbaba Jasper features large amounts of darker mineral, for example the top right corner of the heart pictured, looks similar to Nebula Stone.
Another way you can tell is the price. Nebula Stone is a rare mineral, I don't think I've managed to come across a piece yet, and if I were too, the price would reflect its rarity. There are also many people who name their Kumbaba Jasper as Nebula Stone too, meaning they have named it Kumbaba Jasper (Nebula stone) in the product listing. In those instances you are likely seeing Kumbaba Jasper rather than Nebula Stone.
Understanding Kumbaba Jasper and Nebula Stone
As we mentioned earlier, there are differences between the two in their properties and formation. Let's take a look in more detail.
Kumbaba Jasper
Kumbaba Jasper or Green Stromatolite Jasper isn't actually a Jasper at all. It is a sedimentary stone containing fossilised stromatolite algae. Layers upon layers are built up over a prolonged period of time to create it. It is very affordable even for the best quality specimens.
Kumbaba Jasper is found in South Africa along a rift that runs from South Africa to Madagascar and it has a green/blue/grey background with dark green/black petrified algae presenting in circles, patterns and swirls.
Kumbaba Jasper resonates deeply with the energy of the Earth and is grounding, protective, calming and supports spiritual growth.
Nebula Stone
Nebula Stone is an igneous stone from within the Earth brought to the surface when a volcano erupts. It is a unique combination of Quartz, Anorthoclase, Riebecktite, Aegirine, Arfvedsonite and Zircon. The minerals were once molten magma and glass-like but they cooled very slowly, allowing the minerals to separate out and crystallise.
Nebula Stone is only found in one location in North America, which has been kept secret and is really difficult to obtain. As a result, it is hellishly expensive so you need a small mortgage to buy some! It has a very dark green/black background with green circles and patterns. The Quartz veins found running through it activate and amplify the energies of all the other minerals making it super powerful and programmable.
Nebula Stone resonates with cosmic energy that supports purification, enhances psychic abilities and stimulates spiritual awakening.
You are far more likely to be seeing and buying Kumbaba Jasper as Nebula Stone is really rare, please be vigilant when buying these mineral as they do look very similar, they really are a confusing crystal!
Sparkly blessings,
Tiggy xx
(1) Image is taken from https://www.nebulastone.com/nebula_stone_in_the_book_of_stones.htm . Originally sourced from The Book of Stones. We do not own the rights to this image and it is used for purely demonstrational purposes.
