
sedimentary
Jasper (with Agate/Chalcedony inclusions)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale), Color: Red, white, and translucent grey swirls, Luster: Waxy to vitreous when wet or polished, Crystal Structure: Microcrystalline (trigonal), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture)
- Hardness
- 6
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Jasper (with Agate/Chalcedony inclusions) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale), Color: Red, white, and translucent grey swirls, Luster: Waxy to vitreous when wet or polished, Crystal Structure: Microcrystalline (trigonal), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture)
Formation & geological history
Formed through the deposition of silica from volcanic ash or hydrothermal solutions into cavities or fissures. This specimen likely tumbled in a river or stream, resulting in its smooth, rounded shape.
Uses & applications
Used primarily for lapidary work, jewelry (cabochons and beads), ornamental stones, and as a popular specimen for rock tumbling and collecting.
Geological facts
Jasper is an opaque variety of chalcedony; when it has translucent areas like the grey/white sections seen here, it is often transitioning into agate. These stones have been used since antiquity for seals and amulets.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (cannot be scratched by a steel knife), smooth 'river-worn' texture, and colorful swirls. Commonly found in riverbeds and gravel pits in volcanic regions.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Quartz pebble
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
sedimentary
Generic Pebble / Rock Fragment
Lithic fragment / Weathered rock
sedimentary
Sedimentary Sandstone
Arenite (Sedimentary Rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary