sedimentary

Likely tumbled jasper or iron-rich chert

Microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), variably colored by iron oxides

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque reddish-brown to mauve, dull to waxy luster, fine-grained and massive; Mohs hardness about 6.5–7, with no visible cleavage and conchoidal fracture. The surface appears shaped or naturally water-worn, though the image is insufficient for certainty.

Identified August 14, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich groundwater or sediment hardens into microcrystalline quartz, commonly incorporating hematite or goethite; ages range from Precambrian to recent. Common in volcanic and sedimentary terrains and river gravels.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, tumbled stones, and lapidary objects; jasper is also a popular inexpensive collector material.

Geological facts

Iron oxides create the pink, red, purple, and brown coloration. Chert and jasper can look similar; jasper is generally more visibly colored and opaque.

Field identification & locations

Test for hardness by whether it scratches ordinary glass, inspect for a waxy/conchoidal fracture, and check for a white streak rather than a red metallic streak. Common sources include India, Madagascar, Brazil, Australia, and the western United States.