sedimentary
Jasper
Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2)
Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, opaque luster, various colors including brown, yellow, red, and green due to impurities, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, opaque luster, various colors including brown, yellow, red, and green due to impurities, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Formed from silica-rich fluids precipitating in sedimentary environments or volcanic rocks, often dating back hundreds of millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used in ornamental carvings, jewelry, cabochons, and as a popular collector specimen.
Geological facts
Jasper has been used since ancient times for talismans, seals, and weaponry components due to its toughness and ability to take a high polish.
Field identification & locations
Found worldwide in riverbeds, gravel deposits, and geological formations; identified easily by its opaque nature, hardness, and smooth waterworn or fractured surfaces.
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