igneous/sedimentary mixed (Orbicular Jasper)

Ocean Jasper

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with various inclusions

Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Variegated greens, pinks, creams, and browns; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Structure: Cryptocrystalline (Trigonal); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.9.

Hardness: 6
Color: Variegated greens, pinks, creams, and browns
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified March 9, 2026More igneous/sedimentary mixed (orbicular jasper) →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Variegated greens, pinks, creams, and browns; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Structure: Cryptocrystalline (Trigonal); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.9.

Formation & geological history

Formed as a result of rhythmic precipitation of silica around a nucleus in volcanic environments. Unique to the coastline of Madagascar, these deposits are found in intertidal zones and are usually andesitic or rhyolitic in host Rock origin.

Uses & applications

Primary use is in the jewelry and lapidary trades for cabochons, beads, and ornamental carvings. It is highly valued by crystal collectors for its aesthetic 'eye' or 'orb' patterns.

Geological facts

Ocean Jasper is only found in Madagascar. The most famous deposit was 'rediscovered' in 1999 along the coast, where it could only be mined at low tide by boat, making it one of the more rare and geographically limited jaspers.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinct orbicular (circular) patterns, which look like small bullseyes or flower-like structures embedded in a chalcedony matrix. It is found on the northwest shore of Madagascar.

Other igneous/sedimentary mixed (orbicular jasper) specimens

See all

Mixed Chalcedony and Jasper Bracelet (possibly 'Ocean Jasper' or similar banded variety for brown beads, and blue/grey Chalcedony for the translucent beads)

Chalcedony (SiO2), Jasper (SiO2 with impurities)

Mineral (specifically a cryptocrystalline variety of Quartz)

Leopard Skin Jasper

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with various inclusions

sedimentary

Ocean Jasper Mushroom

Orbicular Jasper (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2 mixed with various impurities)

mineral

Dalmation Stone

Peralkaline Rock (mixed silicate minerals)

igneous

Leopard Skin Jasper

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with various inclusions

sedimentary

Orbicular Rhyolite (Rainforest Jasper)

Rhyolite containing Spherulites (SiO2 with impurities)

igneous