mineral

Likely red jasper or iron-rich chert fragments

Microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), colored by hematite/goethite; exact identification requires testing

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque reddish-brown, earthy to dull luster, very fine-grained with irregular conchoidal-looking fractures; quartz hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs, no visible cleavage, specific gravity roughly 2.6. The pieces appear naturally broken or possibly tumbled, though the image alone cannot confirm.

Identified August 20, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Likely red jasper or iron-rich chert fragments
Scientific name: Microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), colored by hematite/goethite; exact identification requires testing
Category: mineral
Identified: August 20, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $1–$10 for small rough fragments; $10–$50 for attractive polished pieces, with exceptional patterned jasper potentially higher.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich groundwater or sediment is impregnated with iron oxides, commonly in volcanic or sedimentary settings. Formation ages range from Precambrian to recent depending on the deposit.

Uses & applications

Used as lapidary material, cabochons, beads, carvings, and decorative stone; lower-grade material is mainly a collector specimen or craft material.

Geological facts

Red color typically comes from hematite, while yellow-brown zones may reflect goethite or limonite. Similar-looking iron-rich rocks include ferruginous sandstone, brick-red chert, and weathered ironstone.

Field identification & locations

Test for glass scratching and lack of reaction to dilute acid; a streak test may produce a reddish-brown powder. Common sources include India, Brazil, Madagascar, Australia, and the western United States; value depends strongly on pattern, polish, and provenance.