igneous
Dalmatian Stone
Dalmatian Stone (a fine-grained igneous rock, often misidentified as Dalmatian Jasper)
Hardness: 5.5-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Creamy white or light gray with black/brown spots; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Monoclinic; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.7
- Hardness
- 5
- Color
- Creamy white or light gray with black/brown spots
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
Identified More igneous →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 5.5-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Creamy white or light gray with black/brown spots; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Monoclinic; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.7
Formation & geological history
Formed from the cooling of magma, resulting in a fine-grained igneous rock. It is primarily composed of feldspar and quartz (the white matrix) with black spots composed of Arfvedsonite crystals (not Tourmaline, as commonly believed).
Uses & applications
Predominantly used for ornamental purposes, lapidary work, jewelry (beads, cabochons, pendants), and metaphysical practices as a 'healing stone'.
Geological facts
Despite being commercially marketed as 'Dalmatian Jasper', it is not actually a jasper (which is a variety of quartz/chalcedony) but is geologically an igneous rock. It gets its name from its striking resemblance to the Dalmatian dog breed.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinctive black 'polka dots' on a light background. It is almost exclusively mined in Chihuahua, Mexico. Unlike true jasper, it feels slightly different under a lens due to the presence of feldspar crystals.
