Rock Identifier
Ocean Jasper (Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with various inclusions) — igneous/sedimentary mixed (Orbicular Jasper)
igneous/sedimentary mixed (Orbicular Jasper)

Ocean Jasper

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with various inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Variegated greens, pinks, creams, and browns; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Structure: Cryptocrystalline (Trigonal); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.9.

Hardness
6
Color
Variegated greens, pinks, creams, and browns
Luster
Vitreous to waxy
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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Variegated greens, pinks, creams, and browns; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Structure: Cryptocrystalline (Trigonal); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.9.

Formation & geological history

Formed as a result of rhythmic precipitation of silica around a nucleus in volcanic environments. Unique to the coastline of Madagascar, these deposits are found in intertidal zones and are usually andesitic or rhyolitic in host Rock origin.

Uses & applications

Primary use is in the jewelry and lapidary trades for cabochons, beads, and ornamental carvings. It is highly valued by crystal collectors for its aesthetic 'eye' or 'orb' patterns.

Geological facts

Ocean Jasper is only found in Madagascar. The most famous deposit was 'rediscovered' in 1999 along the coast, where it could only be mined at low tide by boat, making it one of the more rare and geographically limited jaspers.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinct orbicular (circular) patterns, which look like small bullseyes or flower-like structures embedded in a chalcedony matrix. It is found on the northwest shore of Madagascar.

More like this

Other igneous/sedimentary mixed (orbicular jasper) specimens

Leopard Skin Jasper (Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with mineral inclusions) — sedimentary

Leopard Skin Jasper

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with mineral inclusions

sedimentary
Mixed polished river stones (Likely quartz, quartzite, chert/jasper, and possibly limestone or marble) — mineral

Mixed polished river stones

Likely quartz, quartzite, chert/jasper, and possibly limestone or marble

mineral
Ocean Jasper (SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide) - Chalcedony variety) — mineral

Ocean Jasper

SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide) - Chalcedony variety

mineral
Tumbled orbicular jasper (Orbicular jasper; microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂) with iron oxides and feldspathic/chalcedony inclusions) — sedimentary

Tumbled orbicular jasper

Orbicular jasper; microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂) with iron oxides and feldspathic/chalcedony inclusions

sedimentary
Mixed Chalcedony and Jasper Bracelet (possibly 'Ocean Jasper' or similar banded variety for brown beads, and blue/grey Chalcedony for the translucent beads) (Chalcedony (SiO2), Jasper (SiO2 with impurities)) — Mineral (specifically a cryptocrystalline variety of Quartz)

Mixed Chalcedony and Jasper Bracelet (possibly 'Ocean Jasper' or similar banded variety for brown beads, and blue/grey Chalcedony for the translucent beads)

Chalcedony (SiO2), Jasper (SiO2 with impurities)

Mineral (specifically a cryptocrystalline variety of Quartz)
Leopard Skin Jasper (Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with various inclusions) — sedimentary

Leopard Skin Jasper

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with various inclusions

sedimentary