mineral

Likely tumbled jasper or iron-rich chert

Microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), potentially hematite/goethite-bearing

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small, rounded polished specimen with rusty orange-brown color and subdued waxy-to-dull luster; likely hardness 6.5–7 Mohs, no visible cleavage, and opaque to slightly translucent edges. Exact identification is limited by the dark, low-resolution image.

Identified August 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich fluids replace or cement sediment, with iron oxides producing the red-brown coloration; commonly Precambrian to younger. Tumbled surfaces are human-processed rather than naturally weathered.

Uses & applications

Used as a lapidary material for cabochons, beads, carvings, and decorative stones; not generally used as an industrial aggregate at this size.

Geological facts

Jasper is an opaque variety of chalcedony or microcrystalline quartz, while chert is its broader geological counterpart. A streak test and hardness test help distinguish it from softer iron-rich rocks.

Field identification & locations

Common in gravel deposits and silica-rich volcanic or sedimentary terrains worldwide, including the western United States, Brazil, Australia, and India. Quartz-rich material will scratch glass; a reddish-brown streak suggests iron oxides.