sedimentary
Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with impurities
Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7; colors vary widely including red, brown, yellow, and green; opaque luster with a microcrystalline structure; conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7; colors vary widely including red, brown, yellow, and green; opaque luster with a microcrystalline structure; conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Formed from silica-rich sediments or volcanic ash, often through the replacement of organic material or deposition in marine environments, over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used for ornamental objects, cabochons, jewelry, carvings, and as a collector's mineral specimen.
Geological facts
Jasper has been used since ancient times for seals, talismans, and various types of jewelry due to its toughness and ability to take a high polish.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its opaque nature, smooth waxy luster when polished, and distinct color patterns. Found worldwide in riverbeds, sedimentary deposits, and volcanic regions.
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