igneous

Dalmatian Stone (often misnamed Dalmatian Jasper)

Aplite (with hornblende/arfvedsonite inclusions)

Hardness: 5.5-7 (Mohs); Color: Creamy white to pale gray with black spots; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Microcrystalline aggregate; Cleavage: None visible.

Hardness: 5
Color: Creamy white to pale gray with black spots
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified April 4, 2026More igneous →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 5.5-7 (Mohs); Color: Creamy white to pale gray with black spots; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Microcrystalline aggregate; Cleavage: None visible.

Formation & geological history

Formed through the slow cooling of magma within the Earth's crust (igneous intrusion). The black spots are minerals like hornblende or arfvedsonite that grew within the feldspar-quartz matrix.

Uses & applications

Primarily used for ornamental purposes, fashion jewelry (beads, cabochons), tumbled stones for collecting, and carving into decorative objects.

Geological facts

Despite being called Dalmatian Jasper in the trade, it is not a jasper (sedimentary) but actually a type of igneous rock called aplite. It was named for its resemblance to the Dalmatian dog breed.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its unique 'spotted' appearance; the matrix is usually cream-white while spots are distinct, rounded, and black. Mostly found in Chihuahua, Mexico. In the field, it lacks the typical conchoidal fracture of true jasper.

Other igneous specimens

See all

Blue Apatite

Fluorapatite (Ca5(PO4)3F)

mineral

Dark Igneous Rock (Likely Basalt or Diabase)

Basalt (extrusive igneous rock) or Diabase (intrusive igneous rock - also known as Dolerite), largely composed of plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene (augite), and sometimes olivine and amphibole. Exact mineralogy would require thin section analysis.

Igneous

Magnetite

Iron(II,III) oxide (Fe3O4)

mineral

Sodalite

Sodalite - Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2

mineral

Blue Apatite

Apatite (Group), Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH)

mineral

Magnetite

Magnetite (Fe3O4)

mineral