sedimentary
Jasper Breccia
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with impurities
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale); Color: tan, orange, red, and dark green/black clasts; Luster: waxy to vitreous; Structure: microcrystalline quartz (chalcedony); Cleavage: none, conchoidal fracture
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- tan, orange, red, and dark green/black clasts
- Luster
- waxy to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale); Color: tan, orange, red, and dark green/black clasts; Luster: waxy to vitreous; Structure: microcrystalline quartz (chalcedony); Cleavage: none, conchoidal fracture
Formation & geological history
Formed when existing jasper or chert deposits were broken by tectonic movement and later cemented together by silica-rich hydrothermal fluids. Often found in volcanic and sedimentary sequences worldwide.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in lapidary work for cabochons, decorative carvings, aquarium stones, and as a collector's specimen due to its unique patterns.
Geological facts
The word 'breccia' comes from Italian, meaning 'loose gravel' or 'broken stone'. No two pieces are identical because the fracturing and re-cementing process creates a chaotic, mosaic-like pattern unique to each stone.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (cannot be scratched by a knife), conchoidal fracture, and the distinctive 'broken and healed' appearance. This specimen has been polished to reveal the internal structure.
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