One of the most popular varieties of jasper, Picture Jasper displays landscape scenes or abstract artistic patterns. Many have nature scenes with the sky, hills, water and occasionally trees. Other display abstract colors and patterns resembling modern art. Predominantly found in the western U.S., Africa and Australia. Picture Jasper formed as mud dripped into gas pockets in cooling lava. In some cultures, Picture Jasper is believed to be the Earth Mother speaking to her children with a message from the past within its pictures.