sedimentary
Breciated Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron oxide inclusions
Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs; Color: Red, cream, beige, brown patterns; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.91
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Red, cream, beige, brown patterns
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
Identified More sedimentary →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs; Color: Red, cream, beige, brown patterns; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.91
Formation & geological history
Formed through the fracturing of jasper and the subsequent 'healing' or bonding by another mineral, often hematite or chalcedony, filing the cracks. This process usually occurs in hydrothermal or sedimentary environments.
Uses & applications
Primarily used for lapidary work, jewelry, decorative carvings (like the tower shown), and as a collector's specimen.
Geological facts
Brecciated Jasper gets its name from the word 'breccia,' a geological term for rock composed of broken fragments of minerals or rock cemented together by a fine-grained matrix.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic fragmented or 'jigsaw' appearance where distinct chunks of jasper are surrounded by vein-like material. It is commonly found globally, with notable deposits in South Africa, Brazil, and the USA.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Cone-in-cone structure (Limestone)
Cone-in-cone structure (Secondary Sedimentary Structure)
sedimentary
Chert Breccia
Brecciated Chert (Microcrystalline Silica)
sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (primarily SiO2)
sedimentary
Sandstone Grain
Clastic Sedimentary Rock Grain (SiO2 dominated)
sedimentary
Shale or Slaty Mudstone
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
sedimentary