sedimentary (clastic/chemical)
Brecciated Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with varying mineral inclusions (Iron Oxide, Hematite, Clay)
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Brick red, brown, or black matrix with angular fragments of white, beige, or grey; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal Structure: Microcrystalline (Trigonal); Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.91.
- Hardness
- 6
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
Identified More sedimentary (clastic/chemical) →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Brick red, brown, or black matrix with angular fragments of white, beige, or grey; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal Structure: Microcrystalline (Trigonal); Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.91.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the fracturing of original jasper deposits by tectonic activity or water pressure. The resulting angular fragments (clasts) are then recemented together by a silica-rich hydrothermal fluid or silt-filled matrix over millions of years. This specimen likely dates from the Precambrian to the Cenozoic depending on the specific outcrop locality.
Uses & applications
Used primarily as decorative lapidary material, including cabochons for jewelry, spheres, bookends, and polished pocket stones. It is also used in metaphysical practices as a grounding stone.
Geological facts
The word 'breccia' comes from the Italian for 'loose gravel' or 'broken stone'. Unlike conglomerate rocks, which have rounded pebbles, breccia contains sharp, angular fragments, indicating the rock pieces didn't travel far from their source before being cemented back together.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its distinct 'mosaic' or 'jigsaw' appearance of sharp, angular fragments embedded in a darker matrix. It will not scratch with a steel knife (distinguishing it from limestone breccias). Commonly found in areas with high tectonic activity or proximity to quartz veins, such as the Western United States, South Africa, and Brazil.
More like this
Other sedimentary (clastic/chemical) specimens
Ferruginous Sandstone
Arenite with Iron-Oxide cement (Fe2O3 · nH2O)
sedimentary
Sand Grain (Silica/Quartz Grain)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
sedimentary
Wonderstone (Sandstone)
Liesegang Banded Sandstone (SiO2 dominated)
sedimentary
Limestone
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
sedimentary
Sandstone (Stream Pebble)
Arenite (primarily SiO2)
sedimentary
Sandstone (Banded)
Clastic Sedimentary Rock (primarily SiO2)
sedimentary