mineral

Polished black-and-gold pebble, likely jasper or iron-rich chert

Microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), probably jasper/chert with iron-oxide bands

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; opaque black, brown, and mustard-yellow coloration with a waxy to glassy polish. No visible cleavage; dense, fine-grained, and likely conchoidal-fracturing.

Identified August 17, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Polished black-and-gold pebble, likely jasper or iron-rich chert
Scientific name: Microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), probably jasper/chert with iron-oxide bands
Category: mineral
Identified: August 17, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $2–$15 for a small polished specimen; roughly $20–$75 if distinctive patterning and confirmed jasper quality are present.

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

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; opaque black, brown, and mustard-yellow coloration with a waxy to glassy polish. No visible cleavage; dense, fine-grained, and likely conchoidal-fracturing.

Formation & geological history

Formed from silica-rich sediment or volcanic material later replaced and colored by iron oxides; age is locality-dependent, commonly Paleozoic or younger. The rounded shape indicates stream or beach transport, followed by polishing.

Uses & applications

Used as a cabochon, tumbled stone, ornamental pebble, or minor lapidary material; rarely used industrially because of its small size.

Geological facts

The yellow-brown zones are likely limonite/goethite or hematite staining within the silica. A strong steel scratch should not easily mark it, while quartz can scratch glass.

Field identification & locations

Commonly found in gravel bars and weathered jasper/chert-bearing terrains worldwide, especially volcanic or iron-rich regions. Exact identification requires a fresh surface, streak, hardness, and locality information.