igneous

Dalmatian Stone

Dalmatian Jasper (actually a Peralkaline Igneous Rock)

Hardness: 5.5-7 (Mohs); Color: Pale gray/white/cream background with black-to-brown spots; Luster: Dull to Vitreous/Polished; Structure: Microcrystalline; Specific Gravity: Approx 2.6

Hardness: 5
Color: Pale gray/white/cream background with black-to-brown spots
Luster: Dull to Vitreous/Polished

Identified May 4, 2026More igneous →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 5.5-7 (Mohs); Color: Pale gray/white/cream background with black-to-brown spots; Luster: Dull to Vitreous/Polished; Structure: Microcrystalline; Specific Gravity: Approx 2.6

Formation & geological history

Formed through volcanic activity where cooling magma creates a peralkaline rock primarily composed of feldspar and quartz, with spots formed by needle-like crystals of arfvedsonite or other amphiboles.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry (beads, cabochons), ornamental carvings, and 'healing stone' metaphysical collections. Also popular as worry stones or for desktop decoration.

Geological facts

Despite being called 'Dalmatian Jasper' in the trade, it is not actually a jasper (which is sedimentary) but an igneous rock. The black spots are often mistaken for tourmaline, but are usually iron-rich arfvedsonite.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive 'dog-like' spotted pattern. It is almost exclusively mined in Chihuahua, Mexico. Collectors should look for a smooth, high-polish finish without fractures.

Other igneous specimens

See all

Blue Apatite

Fluorapatite (Ca5(PO4)3F)

mineral

Dark Igneous Rock (Likely Basalt or Diabase)

Basalt (extrusive igneous rock) or Diabase (intrusive igneous rock - also known as Dolerite), largely composed of plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene (augite), and sometimes olivine and amphibole. Exact mineralogy would require thin section analysis.

Igneous

Magnetite

Iron(II,III) oxide (Fe3O4)

mineral

Blue Apatite

Apatite (Group), Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH)

mineral

Sodalite

Sodalite - Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2

mineral

Magnetite

Magnetite (Fe3O4)

mineral