sedimentary

Banded Jasper and Quartz Pebble

Silicified sedimentary rock / Chalcedony (SiO2)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Multi-colored bands of yellow, purplish-brown, and light pink/tan; Luster: Waxy to vitreous; Crystal structure: Microcrystalline quartz (cryptocrystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.58-2.66.

Hardness: 6
Luster: Waxy to vitreous

Identified July 30, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed via the precipitation of silica-rich fluids into sedimentary rock layers or fractures over millions of years, often subsequently smoothed and rounded by water action in a riverbed or coastal environment.

Uses & applications

Used in lapidary arts, ornamental carving, tumbling, jewelry making, and as a collectible specimen.

Geological facts

Banded patterns in jasper and chert are created by rhythmic precipitation of silica from fluids, a process known as Liesegang banding, resulting in striking geological art.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its distinctive colored bands, smooth water-worn texture, and high hardness which prevents it from being scratched by steel. Commonly found in gravel bars, riverbeds, and beaches where siliceous rocks have undergone water transport.