sedimentary
Jasper
Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2)
Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, opaque luster, various colors including red, brown, yellow, and green, trigonal crystal system with cryptocrystalline structure, 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 red, brown, yellow, and green, trigonal crystal system with cryptocrystalline structure, specific gravity of 2.58 to 2.91.
Formation & geological history
Formed from silica-rich solutions in sedimentary or volcanic environments, often through the replacement of organic material or deposition in marine basins.
Uses & applications
Used in ornamental carvings, cabochons, jewelry, and as a decorative stone.
Geological facts
Jasper has been used since ancient times for seals, signet rings, and talismans by various civilizations including the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians.
Field identification & locations
Found worldwide in riverbeds and mountainous regions; identified by its opaque nature, hardness, and smooth conchoidal fracture.
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