igneous

Dalmatian Stone

Dalmatian Jasper (a misnomer for an Aplite with Arfvedsonite spots)

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Creamy white to light gray base with black spots; Luster: Vitreous when polished; Crystal Structure: Microcrystalline; Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.91

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale
Color: Creamy white to light gray base with black spots
Luster: Vitreous when polished

Identified May 4, 2026More igneous →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Creamy white to light gray base with black spots; Luster: Vitreous when polished; Crystal Structure: Microcrystalline; Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.91

Formation & geological history

An igneous rock primarily composed of feldspar, quartz, and other minerals that cooled rapidly. The black spots are typically composed of the rare amphibole mineral Arfvedsonite. It is mostly found in Chihuahua, Mexico.

Uses & applications

Primarily used for jewelry such as beads, cabochons, and decorative carvings or polished points. It is also a popular stone in metaphysical and crystal collecting circles.

Geological facts

Despite being widely marketed as 'Dalmatian Jasper', it is not a jasper at all but rather a type of igneous rock known as aplite. Its name comes from its visual similarity to the Dalmatian dog breed.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive black tourmaline or arfvedsonite spots on a white-to-cream background. Unlike man-made stones, the spots will be irregular and vary in size and distribution. Most commonly sourced from Mexico.

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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)

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

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Magnetite

Magnetite (Fe3O4)

mineral