sedimentary
Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (Microcrystalline Quartz), SiO2
Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, opaque luster, various colors including brown, red, yellow, and black due to impurities, trigonal crystal system with cryptocrystalline structure, conchoidal fracture.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, opaque luster, various colors including brown, red, yellow, and black due to impurities, trigonal crystal system with cryptocrystalline structure, conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the precipitation of silica-rich fluids in sedimentary environments or volcanic ash beds, often dating from Precambrian to Cenozoic eras.
Uses & applications
Used for ornamental carvings, polished cabochons in jewelry, and geological specimen collecting.
Geological facts
Jasper has been used since ancient times for seals, talismans, and jewelry, with references dating back to antiquity across multiple cultures.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its opaque nature, hardness that scratches glass, and waxy luster. Common worldwide in riverbeds and mountainous regions.
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