mineral

Jasper Agate

Silicon dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs); Color: Reddish-brown with white banding; Luster: Waxy to vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.64

Hardness: 6
Color: Reddish-brown with white banding
Luster: Waxy to vitreous

Identified May 16, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the deposition of silica from groundwater in cavities of igneous rocks or through replacement of organic material; typically Mesozoic to Cenozoic in age.

Uses & applications

Commonly used in lapidary work for cabochons, beads, decorative carvings, and as a pocket stone for collectors.

Geological facts

Jasper and agate are both chalcedony; jasper is opaque while agate is translucent. Specimens like this one that show both characteristics are often grouped together by collectors as Jasper-Agates.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its waxy luster, hardness (will scratch glass), and characteristic bands. Commonly found in river beds, beaches, and volcanic regions globally, specifically prominent in the Pacific Northwest and Lake Superior regions.