sedimentary
Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, reddish-brown color, waxy to vitreous luster, microcrystalline crystal structure, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, and a specific gravity of 2.58 to 2.91.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, reddish-brown color, waxy to vitreous luster, microcrystalline crystal structure, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, and a specific gravity of 2.58 to 2.91.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the deposition and precipitation of silica-rich fluids in sedimentary basins or volcanic environments, often during the Precambrian and Paleozoic eras.
Uses & applications
Used in ornamental carvings, jewelry, lapidary art, and as a popular specimen for rock collectors.
Geological facts
Jasper has been used by ancient civilizations for thousands of years to create tools, seals, and ornate jewelry. Red jasper gets its vibrant color from iron oxide inclusions.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its opaque red-brown coloration and distinct conchoidal fracture (conchoidal chips like glass). Found worldwide, particularly in regions with ancient volcanic activity or hydrothermal deposits, such as India, Brazil, and the Western United States.
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