sedimentary

Red Jasper

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs; Color: Brick red to brownish red due to iron inclusions; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal (Microcrystalline quartz); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.58-2.91

Hardness: 6
Color: Brick red to brownish red due to iron inclusions
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified June 25, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the deposition of silica-rich fluids in volcanic or sedimentary environments, often associated with iron-rich deposits. Its red color comes from high concentrations of iron oxide (hematite).

Uses & applications

Used primarily in jewelry (cabochons, beads), decorative carvings, and as a popular stone for tumbling and crystal healing collections.

Geological facts

Red Jasper has been used for millennia as a sacred stone. In ancient Egypt, it was often used for amulets and scarabs, believed to represent the blood of Isis. It is a variety of chalcedony that is opaque.

Field identification & locations

Identifiable by its deep red color, opacity, and extreme hardness (cannot be scratched by a steel knife). Commonly found in riverbeds or as pebbles in desert environments worldwide, especially in the US, Brazil, and India.