sedimentary

Jasper

Silicon dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs); Color: Red, brown, and pink banding; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline quartz); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.58-2.91

Hardness: 6
Color: Red, brown, and pink banding
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified July 12, 2026More sedimentary →

Explore Jasper in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs); Color: Red, brown, and pink banding; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline quartz); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.58-2.91

Formation & geological history

Formed from silica-rich fluids that permeate volcanic ash or sedimentary deposits, often consolidating over millions of years into an opaque, microcrystalline variety of quartz.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in lapidary art for creating cabochons, beads, and decorative ornaments. It is also an ornamental stone in jewelry and architectural accents.

Geological facts

Jasper has been used for millennia for amulets and tools; the name comes from the Greek 'iaspis', meaning spotted stone. It is known for its wide variety of banding patterns.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its opacity (even on thin edges), smooth conchoidal fracture, and inability to be scratched by a steel knife. Commonly found in riverbeds or gravel pits in states like Oregon, Idaho, and California.