sedimentary
Jasper
Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2)
Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, varying shades of red, brown, and pink due to iron oxide impurities, waxy to dull luster, cryptocrystalline crystal structure, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, varying shades of red, brown, and pink due to iron oxide impurities, waxy to dull luster, cryptocrystalline crystal structure, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the silica-rich precipitation in marine environments or hydrothermal solutions, often associated with altered volcanic ash or iron formations, frequently dating from the Precambrian to Cenozoic eras.
Uses & applications
Used in ornamental stone carving, cabochons for jewelry, decorative objects, and as a popular specimen for rock collectors.
Geological facts
Jasper has been used since antiquity for seals, signet rings, and talismans across various ancient civilizations including the Minoans, Egyptians, and Mesopotamians.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its opaque appearance, hardness that scratches glass, smooth waxy surface when waterworn, and distinctive red or multicolored patterning. Commonly found in riverbeds, beaches, and mountainous regions worldwide.
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