sedimentary (microcrystalline quartz)
Yellow Jasper
Chalcedony (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)
Hardness: 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale. Color: Mustard yellow to olive green. Luster: Vitreous to waxy. Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.91.
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Mustard yellow to olive green
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy
Identified More sedimentary (microcrystalline quartz) →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale. Color: Mustard yellow to olive green. Luster: Vitreous to waxy. Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.91.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the infiltration of silica-rich fluids into sedimentary or volcanic rock cavities. Its yellow hue comes from the inclusion of iron oxides (goethite). It can be found in deposits ranging from Precambrian to recent geological periods.
Uses & applications
Primarily used for ornamental purposes, including cabochons for jewelry, tumbled stones for 'healing crystal' collections, lapidary carvings, and decorative inlay work.
Geological facts
Jasper is an opaque variety of chalcedony. Historically, it was known as the 'supreme nurturer' in ancient cultures and was frequently used in the creation of cylinder seals and amulets in Mesopotamia.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its opacity (unlike citrine, light will not pass through the body of the stone) and smooth, waxy surface when polished. Commonly found in South Africa, Madagascar, Australia, and the western United States. It is a very durable stone for beginners to collect.
More like this
Other sedimentary (microcrystalline quartz) specimens
Dalmatian Stone (commonly called Dalmatian Jasper)
Peralkaline Rock (mixed Feldspar, Quartz, and Arfvedsonite)
igneous
Black Jasper (Black Onyx substitute)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with carbonaceous impurities
sedimentary (microcrystalline quartz)
Jasper
Jasper (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)
sedimentary (microcrystalline quartz)
Jasper River Pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
sedimentary (microcrystalline quartz)
Red Jasper
Jasper (SiO2) with Hematite (Fe2O3) inclusions
sedimentary (microcrystalline quartz)
Red Jasper (River Pebble)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with hematite impurities
sedimentary (microcrystalline quartz)