sedimentary
Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. Color: Yellow, brown, red, green, or multicolored. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Crystal structure: Microcrystalline quartz (trigonal). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific gravity: 2.58 to 2.91.
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Yellow, brown, red, green, or multicolored
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Jasper in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. Color: Yellow, brown, red, green, or multicolored. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Crystal structure: Microcrystalline quartz (trigonal). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific gravity: 2.58 to 2.91.
Formation & geological history
Formed from silica-rich solutions in sedimentary environments or as a primary chemical precipitate in marine basins, often millions of years old.
Uses & applications
Used for making jewelry, ornamental carvings, polished decorative items, and lapidary art.
Geological facts
Jasper has been used since ancient times for amulets, seals, and tools, and is frequently mentioned in ancient folklore and lapidary texts.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified by its opaque nature, smooth conchoidal fracture, and characteristic colorful patterns or banding. Commonly found in riverbeds, glacial tills, and areas with ancient volcanic or hydrothermal activity.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary
Quartz pebble
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary