sedimentary
Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with impurities
Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, colors typically red, brown, yellow, or green due to iron impurities, luster is vitreous to dull, microcrystalline quartz structure with no visible cleavage, specific gravity of 2.58 to 2.91.
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Jasper in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, colors typically red, brown, yellow, or green due to iron impurities, luster is vitreous to dull, microcrystalline quartz structure with no visible cleavage, specific gravity of 2.58 to 2.91.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the silification of sedimentary or volcanic rocks where silica-rich fluids replace original material or precipitate in cavities. Geological age varies widely from Precambrian to Cenozoic.
Uses & applications
Used in ornamental carvings, cabochons, jewelry, and as a decorative stone or lapidary material.
Geological facts
Jasper has been used throughout human history since ancient times for seals, drills, and talismans, and is frequently mentioned in ancient lapidary texts.
Field identification & locations
Found worldwide in riverbeds, glacial tills, and mountainous regions; identifiable by its conchoidal fracture, high hardness, opaque appearance, and smooth waterworn surfaces in pebbles.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sedimentary Sandstone
Arenite (Sedimentary Rock)
sedimentary
Fossiliferous Concretion
Septarian Concretion containing Brachiopods/Crinoids
fossil
Banded Siltstone / Mudstone Pebble
Siltstone / Argillite
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary