sedimentary
Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (Microcrystalline Quartz, SiO2)
Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, opaque luster, various colors including brown, red, yellow, and green, crystal structure is trigonal/microcrystalline, no 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, opaque luster, various colors including brown, red, yellow, and green, crystal structure is trigonal/microcrystalline, no cleavage, specific gravity of 2.58 to 2.91.
Formation & geological history
Formed in silica-rich environments, often through the precipitation of silica from water in marine or hydrothermal settings, or as a replacement of organic matter during fossilization. Can be millions of years old.
Uses & applications
Used in ornamental carvings, jewelry, cabochons, and as a decorative stone or lapidary material.
Geological facts
Jasper has been used since ancient times for talismans, seals, and jewelry. The ancient Greeks and Romans valued it greatly for its protective properties.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified in the field by its waxy luster, conchoidal fracture, high hardness (scratches glass), and opaque earthy or multicolored patterns. Found worldwide in riverbeds, mountainous regions, and sedimentary deposits.
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