sedimentary

Red Jasper

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Iron Oxide impurities (Hematite)

Hardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Deep red to brownish-red; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Crystal Structure: Microcrystalline/Cryptocrystalline (Hexagonal/Trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.91

Hardness: 6
Color: Deep red to brownish-red
Luster: Dull to vitreous

Identified February 24, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the infiltration of silica-rich fluids into volcanic ash or fine-grained sediments, frequently associated with iron-rich environments where Hematite inclusions provide the red hue. Some deposits date back to the Precambrian era.

Uses & applications

Widely used as a gemstone for jewelry (cabochons, beads), decorative carvings, lapidary art, and historically for tools like seal stones and arrowheads.

Geological facts

Red Jasper was known as the 'rain bringer' in some Native American cultures. It has been used for millennia, notably found in Minoan Crete and mentioned in various ancient religious texts as a sacred stone.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its opaque red color, smoothness when weathered, and its ability to scratch glass. It is commonly found in the United States (western states), Brazil, India, and South Africa.

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