sedimentary
Fancy Jasper (Bloodstone variety)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron oxide inclusions
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Variegated greens, reds, and browns; Luster: Vitreous to waxy after polishing; Crystal structure: Microcrystalline/Trigonal (Cryptocrystalline); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.58-2.91
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Variegated greens, reds, and browns
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy after polishing
Identified More sedimentary →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Variegated greens, reds, and browns; Luster: Vitreous to waxy after polishing; Crystal structure: Microcrystalline/Trigonal (Cryptocrystalline); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.58-2.91
Formation & geological history
Formed from silica-rich groundwater percolating through sedimentary or volcanic rocks, depositing chalcedony in cavities. The colors come from mineral inclusions like chlorite (green) and hematite (red).
Uses & applications
Primarily used for lapidary work including cabochons, beads, tumbling for collectors, and ornamental carvings. It is also significant in metaphysical and healing practices.
Geological facts
Also known as Indian Agate or Bloodstone, it has been used since antiquity as a gemstone and seal-stone in Babylon and Rome. Its name comes from the Greek 'iaspis', meaning 'spotted stone'.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its multicolored 'forest-like' pattern, opacity, and extreme hardness (cannot be scratched by a steel knife). Commonly found in river beds or quarries in India, Brazil, and Africa.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
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
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary