sedimentary
Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite impurities
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs); Color: Deep reddish-brown to brick red; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal (Microcrystalline); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.91
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Deep reddish-brown to brick red
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs); Color: Deep reddish-brown to brick red; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal (Microcrystalline); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.91
Formation & geological history
Formed through the deposition of silica from hydrothermal solutions or in sedimentary environments. The red color is caused by included iron oxides (Hematite). Many specimens are hundreds of millions of years old.
Uses & applications
Widely used for lapidary work, jewelry (cabochons, beads), decorative ornaments, and as a popular pocket stone for collectors.
Geological facts
Jasper was a favorite gem in the ancient world; its name can be traced back to Arabic, Persian, Greek, and Latin. It is often referred to as a 'stone of endurance.'
Field identification & locations
Identify by its opaque red color, conchoidal fracture, and smooth, waxy surface when polished. Commonly found in riverbeds or as nodules in volcanic rock in South Africa, Brazil, India, and the USA.
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