mineral

Likely red jasper pebble

Jasper, an opaque microcrystalline variety of quartz (SiO₂), colored red by iron oxides

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small, rounded, reddish-brown opaque pebble with a dull to slightly waxy surface. Quartz hardness is about 7 Mohs; jasper has no visible cleavage and a fine-grained, trigonal quartz structure. The photo does not allow reliable confirmation of its composition.

Identified October 4, 2026More mineral →

Explore Likely red jasper pebble in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Jasper forms when silica-rich fluids fill or replace rock, with iron oxides supplying red color; many deposits are Precambrian, though jasper occurs across many geological ages. Pebble rounding suggests transport and abrasion in water or sediment.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, carvings, and ornamental objects; lower-grade material is collected or used decoratively rather than industrially.

Geological facts

Jasper’s colors and patterns vary with mineral impurities; red coloration commonly comes from hematite or related iron oxides.

Field identification & locations

A likely identification can be checked by its opaque, fine-grained appearance and high scratch resistance, but avoid scratch-testing a valued specimen. Jasper is widespread in sedimentary and volcanic terrains worldwide; the image alone cannot establish provenance.