sedimentary
Jasper pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron oxide impurities
Hardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale; Color: reddish-brown to mustard yellow; Luster: earthy to waxy; Microcrystalline trigonal quartz structure; Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.58-2.91.
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- reddish-brown to mustard yellow
- Luster
- earthy to waxy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale; Color: reddish-brown to mustard yellow; Luster: earthy to waxy; Microcrystalline trigonal quartz structure; Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.58-2.91.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the deposition of silica-rich fluids in sedimentary or low-grade metamorphic environments, heavily stained by iron oxide minerals like goethite or hematite. Weathered and rounded through alluvial/river transport.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in lapidary arts, tumbling, decorative landscaping, and as pocket stones or specimen collections.
Geological facts
Jasper is an opaque variety of chalcedony. Stream-rounded pebbles often develop pitted surfaces or fine vugs from dissolved softer inclusions.
Field identification & locations
Look for a smooth, stream-rounded form with an opaque body that cannot be scratched by a steel pocket knife. Commonly found in riverbeds, glacial till, and gravel pits worldwide.
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