sedimentary
Picture Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with impurities
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Brown, tan, black, and cream; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Structure: Microcrystalline; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Opaque.
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Brown, tan, black, and cream
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Brown, tan, black, and cream; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Structure: Microcrystalline; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Opaque.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the petrification of mud, silicates, and volcanic ash in sedimentary environments. Its distinctive patterns are created by the flow of water and minerals during its formation over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry making (cabochons, beads), decorative carvings, and as a popular collector's stone for its landscape-like patterns.
Geological facts
Picture Jasper is often described as 'Mother Earth speaking to her children' due to its intricate patterns that resemble landscapes, mountains, or desert scenes. It is found in large quantities in the Owyhee Mountains between Oregon and Idaho.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its 'pictured' appearance and high hardness (it cannot be scratched by a steel knife). Commonly found in stream beds or desert regions where volcanic activity once met sedimentary deposits.
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