sedimentary
Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite impurities
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale), Color: Rich brick-red to terracotta, Luster: Dull to waxy, Crystal Structure: Microcrystalline (Trigonal), Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.91
- Hardness
- 6
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale), Color: Rich brick-red to terracotta, Luster: Dull to waxy, Crystal Structure: Microcrystalline (Trigonal), Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.91
Formation & geological history
Formed through the infiltration of silica in sedimentary or volcanic rock environments where iron oxide (Hematite) provides the red pigmentation. It often occurs as nodules or in veins and can date back hundreds of millions of years.
Uses & applications
Primarily used for lapidary work, jewelry (cabochons, beads), decorative carvings, and as a popular 'pocket stone' for mineral collectors and practitioners of holistic healing.
Geological facts
Red Jasper has been used since antiquity; it was known as the 'rain-bringer' in Native American cultures and was featured in the breastplate of the Jewish High Priest in biblical times.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its opaque red color and smooth, water-worn texture if found in riverbeds. It is common in areas with significant volcanic and sedimentary history such as the USA, Brazil, and India. Collectors should look for its inability to be scratched by a steel knife.
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