sedimentary

Banded jasper (likely brecciated jasper)

Microcrystalline quartz/chalcedony, SiO₂, with iron-oxide and other mineral impurities

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque, rough to partly polished; gray, brown, cream, and red bands or breccia-like patches, with dull to waxy luster. Mohs hardness about 6.5–7; no prominent cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and specific gravity near 2.6.

Identified August 18, 2026More sedimentary →

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At a glance

Common name: Banded jasper (likely brecciated jasper)
Scientific name: Microcrystalline quartz/chalcedony, SiO₂, with iron-oxide and other mineral impurities
Category: sedimentary
Identified: August 18, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 as a common rough specimen; attractive patterned or polished pieces commonly sell for $20–$100+, depending on size, locality, and pattern.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich groundwater replaces or cements sediment, volcanic ash, or fractured rock; red coloration comes mainly from hematite. Jasper deposits range from Precambrian to much younger, depending on locality.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, carvings, ornaments, lapidary slabs, and decorative stone; dense varieties may serve as minor aggregate or building stone.

Geological facts

The specimen’s blocky internal fractures and contrasting red-gray colors are typical of brecciated or banded jasper rather than a single crystalline mineral.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its opaque appearance, very hard quartz-like surface, lack of visible individual crystals, and resistance to scratching by a steel file; common sources include Oregon, Utah, Arizona, India, Madagascar, and South Africa.