metamorphic
Kiwi jasper (sesame jasper)
Trade name for a polished, mottled rock, commonly a mix of quartz/chalcedony and dark amphibole or other inclusions; exact composition cannot be confirmed from the photo.
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectSmall polished opaque stone, white to cream with black mottling and a vitreous-to-waxy surface. Likely Mohs hardness about 6–7; fine-grained, with no visible cleavage or distinct crystal structure.
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Physical properties
Small polished opaque stone, white to cream with black mottling and a vitreous-to-waxy surface. Likely Mohs hardness about 6–7; fine-grained, with no visible cleavage or distinct crystal structure.
Formation & geological history
Typically formed when silica-rich fluids fill or replace rock, with dark mineral inclusions producing the pattern; the trade name covers material from several sources, so age and precise formation are uncertain.
Uses & applications
Used for cabochons, beads, pendants, and inexpensive lapidary collectibles; not generally used in construction.
Geological facts
“Kiwi jasper” is a commercial name rather than a consistently defined geological species, and visually similar patterned stones may be sold under different names.
Field identification & locations
The photo shows a tumbled or polished specimen; its white base and irregular black patches fit kiwi jasper, but appearance alone cannot establish identity. Marketed examples are commonly associated with New Zealand and other lapidary sources.
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