sedimentary

Red Jasper

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Terracotta red to deep brownish-red; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline); Cleavage: None, conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.58-2.91

Hardness: 6
Color: Terracotta red to deep brownish-red
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified June 23, 2026More sedimentary →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the deposition of silica from water or volcanic ash, with iron inclusions providing the red pigmentation. Often found in hydrothermal veins or as nodules in sedimentary rocks.

Uses & applications

Used extensively for lapidary work, jewelry (cabochons, beads), decorative carvings, and as a popular 'healing stone' in alternative medicine. Historically used for seals and amulets.

Geological facts

Red Jasper has been used since antiquity; it was known as the 'rain-bringer' in many cultures and is mentioned in various historical texts as a stone of protection and physical strength.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its brick-red color, extreme hardness (not easily scratched by steel), and opaque nature. Common in river beds or desert environments, especially in the western United States, India, and Brazil.