igneous

Dalmation Stone (frequently called Dalmatian Jasper)

Peralkaline Quartz-Feldspar Rock

Hardness: 6.5–7 (Mohs scale); Color: White, cream, or pale grey with black/brown spots; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Microcrystalline aggregate; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.58–2.91.

Hardness: 6
Color: White, cream, or pale grey with black/brown spots
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified March 26, 2026More igneous →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through volcanic activity and rapid cooling. It consists primarily of feldspar and quartz (the white matrix) with distinct black spots of arfvedsonite (an amphibole mineral) rather than tourmaline. It is found in Mesozoic to Cenozoic geological formations.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in the lapidary arts for beads, cabochons, tumbled stones, and decorative carvings. It is popular in jewelry making due to its unique pattern and durability.

Geological facts

Despite being called 'Dalmatian Jasper' in the trade, it is technically an igneous rock rather than a jasper (which is a form of chalcedony). The black spots were long misidentified as tourmaline but were later confirmed to be the rare mineral arfvedsonite.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by the high contrast 'dalmatian dog' spotting. It is almost exclusively mined in Chihuahua, Mexico. For collectors, it is easily identified by its hardness (cannot be scratched by a steel knife) and its lack of transparency.

Other igneous specimens

See all

Blue Apatite

Fluorapatite (Ca5(PO4)3F)

mineral

Dark Igneous Rock (Likely Basalt or Diabase)

Basalt (extrusive igneous rock) or Diabase (intrusive igneous rock - also known as Dolerite), largely composed of plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene (augite), and sometimes olivine and amphibole. Exact mineralogy would require thin section analysis.

Igneous

Magnetite

Iron(II,III) oxide (Fe3O4)

mineral

Sodalite

Sodalite - Na8(Al6Si6O24)Cl2

mineral

Blue Apatite

Apatite (Group), Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH)

mineral

Magnetite

Magnetite (Fe3O4)

mineral