mineralological specimen

Red Jasper

Quartz (Silicon Dioxide) with Iron Oxide impurities (Fe2O3)

Hardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Terracotta red to brick red; Luster: Vitreous to dull when unpolished; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (Trigonal), Microcrystalline; Cleavage: None, conchoidal fracture

Hardness: 6
Color: Terracotta red to brick red
Luster: Vitreous to dull when unpolished

Identified May 14, 2026More mineralological specimen →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed primarily in hydrothermal veins or as a sedimentary replacement in silica-rich environments. The red color comes from the inclusion of iron oxide during its formation, often dating back to the Precambrian or Paleozoic eras.

Uses & applications

Widely used for lapidary work, jewelry (cabochons, beads), decorative carvings, and as a popular pocket stone for collectors.

Geological facts

Known as the 'Stone of Endurance,' jasper has been used since antiquity for seals and amulets. It is an opaque variety of chalcedony that can contain up to 20 percent foreign materials.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its deep red color, opacity (light does not pass through even thin edges), and its ability to scratch glass. Commonly found in riverbeds, beaches, and desert regions worldwide, notably in India, Brazil, and the USA.

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