sedimentary

Jasper (likely brecciated jasper)

Microcrystalline quartz/chalcedony (SiO₂), with possible iron-oxide coloring

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque, reddish-brown and gray with a pale cream area; dull to slightly waxy luster and irregular fracture. Quartz hardness is about 7 Mohs; precise mineral composition and density cannot be confirmed from the photo.

Identified October 1, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Jasper forms when silica-rich fluids fill or replace rock, with iron oxides producing red and brown colors; brecciated varieties contain fragments cemented by silica. Formation age and setting cannot be determined visually.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, carvings, and decorative objects; rough common pieces have modest collecting value.

Geological facts

Jasper is an opaque variety of chalcedony, unlike transparent quartz varieties; its colors and patterns vary with impurities and inclusions.

Field identification & locations

The angular, opaque colored material is consistent with rough jasper, but the image alone cannot rule out another silica-rich rock. Jasper occurs worldwide, including in volcanic and sedimentary settings; a scratch test and close inspection of the fracture can help identify it.