sedimentary
Zebra Jasper
Tetragonal Silicon Dioxide (Quartz) with impurities
Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs; Color: Striated black, white, and grey; Luster: Vitreous to greasy when polished; Crystal Structure: Microcrystalline; Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.9
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Striated black, white, and grey
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy when polished
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs; Color: Striated black, white, and grey; Luster: Vitreous to greasy when polished; Crystal Structure: Microcrystalline; Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.9
Formation & geological history
Formed from silicon-rich sedimentary deposits where mineral impurities layered over time to create distinctive banding. Most specimens originate from ancient deposits in Australia or Africa.
Uses & applications
Primarily used for ornamental purposes such as carvings, cabochons for jewelry, decorative home items, and as a popular stone for lapidary collectors.
Geological facts
Despite being called 'Zebra Jasper', it is often technically a variegated form of marble or a dark chert with white quartz veins rather than a true jasper in some geological contexts.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its characteristic high-contrast 'zebra' stripes and high polish. It is a very common material in the metaphysical and gemstone carving market.
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