sedimentary

Jasper with Chalcedony

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Variegated forest green, teal, rust-red, and translucent white/blue; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Structure: Microcrystalline; Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture).

Hardness: 6
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified July 9, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Variegated forest green, teal, rust-red, and translucent white/blue; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Structure: Microcrystalline; Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture).

Formation & geological history

Formed through the deposition of silica-rich water into volcanic ash or hydrothermal veins, involving slow crystallization and the inclusion of iron oxides or chlorite to create the green and red colors. Typically Cenozoic or older.

Uses & applications

Commonly used for lapidary work, jewelry (cabochons), ornamental carvings, and as decorative landscaping or specimen collecting.

Geological facts

Jasper is a cryptocrystalline variety of quartz. The opaque green and red areas are jasper, while the translucent bluish-white patches are chalcedony. This specific combination is often called 'Fancy Jasper' in the gemstone trade.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its waxy texture, smooth conchoidal fractures, and hardness (it should easily scratch glass but not be scratched by steel). Commonly found in riverbeds or volcanic regions like the American West (Oregon, Idaho) and India.