sedimentary
Jasper
Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2)
Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, opaque luster, various colors including red, brown, yellow, and green due to iron impurities, conchoidal fracture.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, opaque luster, various colors including red, brown, yellow, and green due to iron impurities, conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Formed via the precipitation of silica-rich fluids in sedimentary environments or volcanic ash beds, often dating from the Precambrian to recent eras.
Uses & applications
Used for making jewelry, ornamental carvings, lapidary art, and occasionally in industrial grinding or as a decorative stone.
Geological facts
Jasper has been used since ancient times for seals, talismans, and tools. Its name means 'spotted or speckled stone'.
Field identification & locations
Found worldwide in riverbeds, mountainous regions, and ancient marine deposits. Identify by its waxy luster, opacity, and hardness that scratches glass.
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