sedimentary
Brecciated Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite impurities
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Red, brown, and ivory patterns; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Structure: Microcrystalline; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.91
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Red, brown, and ivory patterns
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Red, brown, and ivory patterns; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Structure: Microcrystalline; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.91
Formation & geological history
Formed when Jasper (a variety of chalcedony) is broken by tectonic movement and subsequently 'cemented' together by another mineral, usually clear or translucent chalcedony or quartz, over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in lapidary arts for cabochons, beads, and decorative carvings; also popular in metaphysical collections and as an ornamental architectural stone.
Geological facts
The name comes from 'breccia', a geological term for rock composed of broken fragments of minerals or rock cemented together. The red color in this specific specimen is caused by oxygenated iron (hematite).
Field identification & locations
Identify by its 'shattered' appearance with red Jasper chunks separated by white or translucent quartz veins. Commonly found in large deposits in South Africa, Brazil, and the Southwestern USA.
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