sedimentary

Jasper (brecciated or orbicular jasper)

Microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), commonly mixed with hematite, goethite, chlorite, and other silicates

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque, multicolored red, orange, cream, and green material with earthy to waxy luster and irregular brecciation or flow-like patterning. Quartz hardness is about 6.5–7 Mohs; no obvious cleavage; specific gravity approximately 2.5–2.7.

Identified September 6, 2026More sedimentary →

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At a glance

Common name: Jasper (brecciated or orbicular jasper)
Scientific name: Microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), commonly mixed with hematite, goethite, chlorite, and other silicates
Category: sedimentary
Identified: September 6, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 as a rough hand specimen; $20–$150 if unusually patterned, polishable, or sold as quality lapidary jasper.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich fluids replace or cement volcanic ash, fractures, or other sediments, with iron oxides producing red tones and chlorite or epidote producing green. Usually Phanerozoic, though its exact age cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Used as ornamental stone, lapidary cabochons, carvings, polished slabs, and tumbled stones; attractive pieces have modest collector value.

Geological facts

Red coloration generally indicates hematite, while green patches may reflect chlorite, epidote, or altered volcanic minerals. The specimen could also be silicified volcanic breccia rather than classic jasper.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its opaque appearance, fine grain, conchoidal fracture, and inability to scratch with a steel knife; quartz-rich material scratches glass. Common in volcanic terrains and silica-rich hydrothermal zones worldwide.