mineral

Orbicular jasper (likely ocean jasper)

Silica-rich microcrystalline quartz/chalcedony with feldspar, clay minerals, and iron oxides

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; gray-green to brown matrix with cream-white rounded orbicules, mostly dull to subtly waxy luster, and no obvious cleavage. The specimen appears naturally rough and fine-grained, with orbicular texture visible throughout.

Identified September 5, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Orbicular jasper (likely ocean jasper)
Scientific name: Silica-rich microcrystalline quartz/chalcedony with feldspar, clay minerals, and iron oxides
Category: mineral
Identified: September 5, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 for a common rough hand specimen; $30–$150+ for attractive, confirmed-locality material or quality lapidary rough.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed by silica-rich volcanic or hydrothermal processes that produced concentric mineral growths and cemented them in a fine-grained matrix; exact age depends on locality, commonly Paleozoic to Mesozoic. Similar material is especially associated with Madagascar, though visual identification alone cannot confirm locality.

Uses & applications

Used as lapidary rough, cabochons, carvings, ornamental stone, and collectible specimens; it is generally not used as a structural construction stone.

Geological facts

The rounded “eyes” are orbicules, typically built from concentric layers of chalcedony, quartz, feldspar, and iron-bearing minerals. “Ocean jasper” is a trade name rather than a single strictly defined mineral species.

Field identification & locations

Look for hard, opaque, silica-rich material with rounded contrasting orbs; a steel file should barely scratch it, while quartz can scratch it. Commonly found in Madagascar, Mexico, Australia, and other volcanic terrains.