sedimentary
Jasper
Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2)
Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, predominantly yellow, brown, or red due to iron impurities, waxy to dull luster, cryptocrystalline crystal structure, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity around 2.58 to 2.91.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, predominantly yellow, brown, or red due to iron impurities, waxy to dull luster, cryptocrystalline crystal structure, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity around 2.58 to 2.91.
Formation & geological history
Formed via the precipitation of silica-rich fluids in sedimentary environments or hydrothermal veins, often associated with volcanic activity and ancient ocean basins, spanning millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in lapidary arts, ornamental carvings, cabochons, jewelry, and as a collector's mineral specimen.
Geological facts
Jasper has been used since antiquity to create seals, signets, and intricate jewelry; ancient civilizations prized it for its purported protective and grounding properties.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its opaque nature, conchoidal fracture, lack of cleavage, and resistance to scratching by a steel knife. Found globally in riverbeds, glacial tills, and mountainous regions.
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