mineral

Polished brown-and-cream jasper

Jasper, microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂) with iron-oxide inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque, glossy tumbled stone with brown, rust-red, cream, and gray areas; hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs, vitreous to waxy luster, cryptocrystalline structure, and no visible cleavage. The coloration is chiefly from hematite/goethite and other iron oxides.

Identified August 30, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich groundwater replaces or cements volcanic ash, sediments, or breccia, commonly during diagenesis or low-temperature hydrothermal alteration. Its exact geological age depends on the deposit and cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, polished specimens, and inexpensive ornamental objects; occasionally used as a decorative aggregate.

Geological facts

Jasper is a variety of chalcedony or microcrystalline quartz, not a single mineral species. Patterned varieties may be marketed as picture jasper, brecciated jasper, or ocean jasper, but the pictured stone cannot be assigned a precise trade variety confidently.

Field identification & locations

Common worldwide, including India, Madagascar, Brazil, Australia, Mexico, and the western United States. Identify it by opaque color patterns, glassy polish, hardness sufficient to scratch ordinary glass, and lack of distinct crystal faces; avoid confusing it with dyed agate or resin.