sedimentary
Breciated Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron oxide inclusions
Hardness: 6.5-7.0 (Mohs scale), Color: brick red, cream, and brown, Luster: dull to vitreous, Crystal structure: microcrystalline (trigonal), Cleavage: none (conchoidal fracture)
- Hardness
- 6
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7.0 (Mohs scale), Color: brick red, cream, and brown, Luster: dull to vitreous, Crystal structure: microcrystalline (trigonal), Cleavage: none (conchoidal fracture)
Formation & geological history
Formed when original jasper is fractured through tectonic activity and then resealed with subsequent silica or hematite deposits filling the cracks.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in lapidary arts for cabochons, beads, decorative carvings, and as a popular grounding stone for metaphysical collectors.
Geological facts
The term 'brecciated' comes from the Italian word 'breccia', meaning broken gravel. It is essentially a 'healed' rock where the shards are held together by a natural mineral cement.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic fragmented patterns and high hardness (it will scratch glass but not be scratched by a steel knife). Commonly found in desert regions and volcanic deposits.
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