The name Jasper, "spotted or speckled stone," is derived via Old French jaspre (variant of Anglo-Norman jaspe) and dates back to ancient times in the oldest known writings. Relics from the earliest civilization show a reverence for this beautiful and powerful gem in the world of the Phoenicians, Persians and Hebrews. It was used in organizational and religious activities with prominent mention in sacred writings over four thousand years old. Found carved as seals for official documents, amulets and adorning the handles of weaponry Jasper of any color is considered a stone of protection and shielding. The Jasper of the ancient may have been of a more translucent nature of varying colors. Professor Flinders Petrie has suggested that the odem, the first stone on the High Priest's breastplate, translated “sard,” was a red jasper, whilst tarshish, the tenth stone, may have been a yellow jasper (Hastings's Dict. Bible, 1902).