sedimentary

Polished banded jasper (likely picture jasper)

Microcrystalline quartz, chiefly SiO₂; jasper with iron-oxide staining

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque, intricately swirled tan, brown, cream, and green material with a polished, waxy-to-glassy luster. Quartz hardness is about 6.5–7 Mohs; crystals are microscopic, with no visible cleavage. The image alone cannot confirm the green material or exact variety.

Identified October 5, 2026More sedimentary →

Explore Polished banded jasper (likely picture jasper) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Jasper forms when silica-rich fluids cement or replace sediment, with iron oxides and other impurities producing color and patterns. Such deposits occur in many ages and settings; a specific age or locality cannot be determined from this view.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, decorative slabs, and lapidary collectibles; jasper is not generally an important industrial ore.

Geological facts

Jasper is an opaque variety of chalcedony, and its distinctive patterns can record sedimentary layering or fluid movement.

Field identification & locations

Look for opaque color bands, a smooth polish, and hardness sufficient to resist scratching by a steel knife; provenance or a mineral test is needed to verify the identification. Common sources include the western United States, Australia, Brazil, and India.