sedimentary
Jasper (or Chert)
Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2)
Hardness 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, waxy to sub-vitreous luster, opaque with reddish-brown, greyish-blue, and yellowish banding or mottled patterns, conchoidal fracture.
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Physical properties
Hardness 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, waxy to sub-vitreous luster, opaque with reddish-brown, greyish-blue, and yellowish banding or mottled patterns, conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Formed in low-temperature hydrothermal environments or as biogenic sedimentary precipitates where silica-rich fluids permeate sediments and solidify over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in lapidary art, jewelry, cabochons, polished stones, carvings, and decorative collectibles.
Geological facts
Jasper gets its varied colors from iron oxides and inclusions. Red jasper contains hematite, while yellowish or brownish hues typically come from goethite or limonite.
Field identification & locations
Recognized by its hardness (scratches glass), opaque appearance, smooth waxy surface texture, and conchoidal fracture. Commonly found along riverbeds, gravel bars, and shoreline deposits worldwide.
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