sedimentary
Jasper
Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2)
Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, opaque luster, various colors including green, red, brown, and yellow, trigonal crystal system with a microcrystalline structure, and a specific gravity of 2.58 to 2.91.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, opaque luster, various colors including green, red, brown, and yellow, trigonal crystal system with a microcrystalline structure, and a specific gravity of 2.58 to 2.91.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the silification of sedimentary or volcanic rocks, where silica-rich fluids replace original material or fill cavities, occurring across various geological ages.
Uses & applications
Used in ornamental objects, cabochons, jewelry, carvings, and as a popular specimen for mineral collectors.
Geological facts
Jasper has been used since ancient times for seals, talismans, and jewelry, with mentions in various historical texts spanning thousands of years.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified in the field by its opacity, conchoidal fracture, waxy luster, and diverse coloration. Commonly found in riverbeds, mountainous regions, and sedimentary deposits worldwide.
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