metamorphic
Iron-rich breccia or hematite-bearing jasper
Hematite–quartz jasper (silica-rich ironstone), possibly brecciated
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectRed-brown, opaque, earthy to subtly vitreous luster with a dark metallic-looking seam of quartz and iron oxides. Predominantly microcrystalline quartz and hematite/goethite; hardness about 6–7 (hematite-rich areas may be softer), no obvious cleavage, dense and fine-grained.
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Physical properties
Red-brown, opaque, earthy to subtly vitreous luster with a dark metallic-looking seam of quartz and iron oxides. Predominantly microcrystalline quartz and hematite/goethite; hardness about 6–7 (hematite-rich areas may be softer), no obvious cleavage, dense and fine-grained.
Formation & geological history
Formed when silica-rich fluids cemented iron-oxide-rich fragments or replaced iron-bearing rock, commonly in Precambrian banded iron-formation environments; the specimen may later have been naturally rounded or tumbled.
Uses & applications
Used as ornamental stone, lapidary material, pigment, and occasionally as low-grade iron ore; attractive pieces are collected rather than used industrially.
Geological facts
The brick-red color commonly comes from hematite, while yellow-brown patches may be goethite or limonite. A red-brown streak on unglazed porcelain supports hematite; quartz-rich zones resist scratching by steel.
Field identification & locations
Common in ironstone and jasper deposits, including Australia, Brazil, India, and North America. Check for a red streak, high density, and quartz-like hardness; magnetism is usually weak unless magnetite is present.
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