sedimentary
Jasper
Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2)
Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, opaque luster, various colors including brown, red, yellow, and green, trigonal crystal system with microcrystalline structure, specific gravity around 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 brown, red, yellow, and green, trigonal crystal system with microcrystalline structure, specific gravity around 2.58 to 2.91.
Formation & geological history
Formed in silica-rich sedimentary environments or volcanic ash deposits where silica precipitates out of solution and replaces surrounding rock over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used for ornamental objects, cabochons, jewelry, carvings, and as a collector's specimen.
Geological facts
Jasper has been used since ancient times for talismans, seals, and jewelry by civilizations such as the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified in the field by its opaque nature, conchoidal fracture, and waxy luster; commonly found in riverbeds, alluvial deposits, and mountainous regions worldwide.
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