gemstone

Pinkish-red jasper (likely)

Jasper, an opaque microcrystalline variety of quartz (SiO₂), colored by iron oxides

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque, salmon to reddish-brown, with a subdued polish and uneven fracture; quartz hardness is about 6.5–7 Mohs, with no cleavage and a fine-grained, cryptocrystalline structure. The photo does not show enough detail to confirm the identification.

Identified October 15, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Jasper forms when silica-rich fluids fill cavities or replace sediment, with iron-bearing impurities producing red and pink hues. Such material occurs in many geological ages and settings.

Uses & applications

Cut and polished jasper is used for beads, cabochons, ornaments, and lapidary collecting; it has little industrial use.

Geological facts

Jasper is a trade name for opaque, patterned chalcedony rather than one uniquely defined mineral species.

Field identification & locations

The small, opaque, iron-colored piece is consistent with jasper, but could also be another iron-stained silica rock. The reported area of northwestern Iran has varied volcanic and sedimentary geology; location alone cannot identify it. A hardness or streak test and examination of a fresh surface would help.