sedimentary
Leopard Skin Jasper
Silicified Rhyolite or Orbicular Jasper (SiO2)
Hardness: 6.5 to 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan, cream, or gray background with orbicular red, brown, or black spotting; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when polished); Structure: Cryptocrystalline; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).
- Hardness
- 6
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy (when polished)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5 to 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan, cream, or gray background with orbicular red, brown, or black spotting; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when polished); Structure: Cryptocrystalline; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).
Formation & geological history
Formed primarily from volcanic ash or silicified rhyolite that has undergone secondary silica enrichment. The orbicular patterns are created as silica and various minerals crystallize around a nucleus in spherulitic growth patterns during the cooling and hardening of the stone.
Uses & applications
Commonly used for lapidary work, jewelry (beads, cabochons), decorative carvings, and as a popular tumbled stone for collectors and metaphysical enthusiasts.
Geological facts
Despite being called jasper, it is technically an orbicular rhyolite. It is often referred to as 'Jaguar Stone' and was highly regarded by indigenous cultures in South America for its unique animal-like patterns.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive leopard-like spots and extremely high silica content which makes it scratch glass. It is most commonly found in Mexico and Brazil. Collectors look for high contrast between the background and the 'spots'.
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