sedimentary

Polished brecciated jasper tower

Jasper, an opaque microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), with iron-oxide-rich red breccia and possible chalcedony

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; opaque multicolored red, gray, brown, and cream pattern; vitreous to waxy luster when polished; cryptocrystalline quartz with no visible cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and typical specific gravity near 2.6.

Identified September 4, 2026More sedimentary →

Explore Polished brecciated jasper tower in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

At a glance

Common name: Polished brecciated jasper tower
Scientific name: Jasper, an opaque microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), with iron-oxide-rich red breccia and possible chalcedony
Category: sedimentary
Identified: September 4, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $20–$80 for a small polished tower; $80–$200 or more for larger, attractive, well-finished pieces or rare locality material.

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

Formation & geological history

Formed when silica-rich fluids replaced or cemented volcanic or sedimentary material, commonly preserving angular breccia fragments colored by hematite or other iron oxides. Its exact geological age and locality cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, carvings, ornamental towers, beads, and polished slabs; valued mainly as a decorative lapidary material rather than a gemstone of high rarity.

Geological facts

The angular, sharply contrasting fragments and red iron staining are characteristic of brecciated jasper. Jasper is a variety of chert and is composed primarily of quartz despite its earthy appearance.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its opaque, strongly patterned appearance, glassy polish, and ability to scratch glass; a steel knife generally will not scratch it. Common sources include Oregon, Utah, Idaho, Arizona, Mexico, Madagascar, and Australia.