sedimentary
Jasper
Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2)
Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, reddish-brown to multicolored, vitreous to dull luster, cryptocrystalline structure, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, 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 to multicolored, vitreous to dull luster, cryptocrystalline structure, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, specific gravity of 2.58 to 2.91.
Formation & geological history
Formed from silica-rich solutions precipitating in sedimentary environments or hydrothermal veins, often associated with volcanic activity. Geological age varies widely from Precambrian to Cenozoic.
Uses & applications
Used in ornamental carvings, cabochons, jewelry, decorative objects, and lapidary art.
Geological facts
Jasper has been used since ancient times for amulets, seals, and tools, highly prized by the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its opaque, fine-grained nature, conchoidal fracture, and rich earthy colors, commonly found in riverbeds, sedimentary deposits, and hydrothermal regions worldwide.
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