sedimentary

Picture jasper

Silicified or cherty sedimentary rock, chiefly microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂) with iron-oxide pigments

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; opaque, finely grained, with cream, tan, red, purple, and brown swirls. It has a dull to waxy unpolished luster, no visible cleavage, and conchoidal fracture; the pictured slab appears cut and polished or naturally smooth.

Identified September 10, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich groundwater replaces or cements fine sediments, often preserving flow, bedding, or landscape-like patterns; iron oxides create the red and brown colors. Such jasper commonly formed in volcanic or sedimentary settings during the Precambrian to younger geologic eras.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, carvings, polished slabs, bookends, and ornamental stone; it has minor lapidary value rather than structural-construction use.

Geological facts

Picture jasper is valued for scenic patterns resembling mountains, clouds, or abstract landscapes; each slab has a distinctive natural composition.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its opaque patterned body, quartz-like hardness, lack of cleavage, and resistance to scratching by steel; common sources include Oregon, Utah, Idaho, Arizona, Madagascar, and Australia. Exact locality cannot be determined from the image alone.