sedimentary
Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide with Hematite (SiO2 + Fe2O3)
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale), Color: Brick red to brownish red, Luster: Vitreous to waxy, Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (cryptocrystalline), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.58–2.91
- Hardness
- 6
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale), Color: Brick red to brownish red, Luster: Vitreous to waxy, Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (cryptocrystalline), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.58–2.91
Formation & geological history
Formed from the deposition of silica from volcanic ash or hydrothermal solutions into cracks or cavities, colored by iron inclusions (hematite). Can be found in various geological ages ranging from Precambrian to recent times.
Uses & applications
Used primarily as a gemstone for jewelry (cabochons), lapidary work, decorative carvings, and in alternative medicine (healing crystals).
Geological facts
Jasper was a favorite gem in the ancient world; its name can be traced back to Hebrew, Assyrian, Persian, Greek, and Latin. It is one of the traditional birthstones for March.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its opaque red color, dull to waxy luster, and its inability to be scratched by a steel knife. Commonly found in riverbeds, mountains, and deserts in locations like India, Brazil, and the USA (southwest).
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