mineral

Orange chalcedony or jasper fragment

Microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), likely chalcedony/jasper

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small opaque-to-translucent orange-brown fragment with a waxy to dull luster and uneven fracture; quartz hardness is about 7 Mohs, with no cleavage and specific gravity near 2.6. The color likely comes from iron oxides or hydroxides.

Identified August 19, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich fluids fill cavities or fractures, later becoming microcrystalline quartz; iron-bearing impurities produce orange coloration. Precise age and locality cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, carvings, small ornaments, and lapidary practice; jasper and chalcedony are inexpensive decorative materials.

Geological facts

Chalcedony is fibrous microcrystalline quartz, while jasper is its generally opaque, impurity-rich variety; the boundary between them can be gradual.

Field identification & locations

Look for a smooth waxy surface, conchoidal or irregular fracture, lack of cleavage, and resistance to scratching by a steel knife. Common sources include Brazil, India, Madagascar, Mexico, and the western United States.