sedimentary
Bumblebee Jasper
Calcite-bearing Volcanic Tuff containing Sulfur and Arsenic (Orpiment/Realgar)
Hardness: 3-4 (Mohs); Color: Yellow, orange, black, and grey banding; Luster: Waxy to vitreous when polished; Structure: Microcrystalline; Specific Gravity: ~2.6.
- Hardness
- 3-4 (Mohs)
- Color
- Yellow, orange, black, and grey banding
- Luster
- Waxy to vitreous when polished
Identified More sedimentary →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 3-4 (Mohs); Color: Yellow, orange, black, and grey banding; Luster: Waxy to vitreous when polished; Structure: Microcrystalline; Specific Gravity: ~2.6.
Formation & geological history
Formed from volcanic sediment and volcanic ash deposits in fumarole environments where minerals like sulfur and orpiment precipitate. It is a relatively young geological material found near active volcanoes.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a lapidary material for jewelry, cabochons, and decorative ornamental carvings like the skull shown.
Geological facts
Despite its name, it is technically a carbonate-rich volcanic rock rather than a true Jasper. It contains sulfur (yellow) and arsenic-containing minerals (orpiment/realgar), so it is toxic and should be handled with care, especially during cutting.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its unique 'bumblebee' stripes of yellow and black. It is famously and exclusively found at Mount Papandayan in West Java, Indonesia. Collectors should look for vibrant, distinct banding.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (primarily SiO2)
sedimentary
Chert Breccia
Brecciated Chert (Microcrystalline Silica)
sedimentary
Sandstone Grain
Clastic Sedimentary Rock Grain (SiO2 dominated)
sedimentary
Shale or Slaty Mudstone
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary