mineral

Polished black-and-golden jasper

Microcrystalline quartz (chalcedony), SiO₂, with iron-oxide/goethite impurities

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; opaque brown, ochre-gold, and dark gray-black coloration; glossy polished luster; cryptocrystalline quartz with no visible cleavage and conchoidal fracture. Specific gravity is typically 2.55–2.70.

Identified August 19, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich fluids fill cavities or replace volcanic and sedimentary material, with iron oxides producing the yellow-brown zones; commonly Cenozoic to older, depending on locality.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, and ornamental objects; attractive polished pieces are popular with collectors, though this is generally a modest-value lapidary material.

Geological facts

The specimen’s irregular bands and iron-rich staining are characteristic of jasper rather than a single crystalline mineral. Similar material may be marketed as brecciated, ocean, or picture jasper depending on its pattern and source.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its opaque patterned body, waxy-to-glassy polish, hardness, and lack of cleavage; it should resist scratching by a steel knife but scratch glass. Common sources include India, Madagascar, Brazil, Australia, and the western United States.