Mineral

Jasper

Silicon dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Opaque with uniform color ranging from green, yellow, white, and red. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Crystal structure: Microcrystalline, trigonal crystal system. Cleavage: None. Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.91.

Hardness: 6
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified November 3, 2025More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from volcanic ash or as silica-rich fluids that replace existing rocks. Often found in hydrothermal veins. Geological age varies widely depending on formation, from Precambrian to Cenozoic.

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry (especially for cabochons and beads), ornamental stones, and as a decorative material. Also used in some industrial applications as an abrasive.

Geological facts

Jasper is known for its wide variety of colors and patterns, often named descriptively (e.g., 'Picture Jasper' for its landscape-like patterns). It was used by ancient civilizations for tools, seals, and ornamentation. The term 'jasper' often refers to an opaque, impure variety of cryptocrystalline quartz.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its opaque nature, range of earthy colors (often with bands or patterns), and hardness. Often found in association with volcanic rocks or sedimentary formations. Common locations include India, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Madagascar, Australia, Brazil, Canada, and the USA.