sedimentary

Yellow Jasper

Jasper (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)

Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Yellow to brownish-yellow; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Microcrystalline/hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.6-2.9

Hardness: 6
Color: Yellow to brownish-yellow
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified June 2, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the deposition of silica from hydrothermal solutions or volcanic ash in sedimentary environments, often associated with iron oxide impurities that create the yellow hue.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as a gemstone for jewelry (cabochons, beads), decorative carvings, lapidary art, and as a collector's specimen.

Geological facts

Yellow Jasper has been used by various cultures for thousands of years in amulets and tools; it is a dense, opaque variety of chalcedony that owes its color to the presence of goethite or limonite.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (cannot be scratched by a knife), opaque transparency, and smooth, waxy feel. It is commonly found in riverbeds, desert regions, and areas with ancient volcanic activity like the American Southwest and India.