sedimentary
Brecciated Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite impurities
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Rusty red with cream, gray, or black veining; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.91
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Rusty red with cream, gray, or black veining
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Rusty red with cream, gray, or black veining; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.91
Formation & geological history
Formed when jasper is fractured by tectonic activity and the cracks are subsequently filled with other minerals like clear quartz or hematite through hydrothermal processes. Most specimens are millions of years old.
Uses & applications
Primarily used for lapidary work, jewelry (beads, cabochons), decorative carvings, and as a popular meditation or 'healing' stone in spiritual communities.
Geological facts
The word 'brecciated' comes from the Italian 'breccia', meaning 'gravel' or 'broken stone'. Red jasper specifically gets its color from high concentrations of iron oxide (hematite).
Field identification & locations
Identify by the distinctive 'broken and healed' look where red fragments are separated by quartz veins. Found worldwide, notably in the USA, Brazil, Russia, and South Africa. It will not scratch with a copper penny or steel knife easily.
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