mineral

Polished brown jasper (likely ocean jasper or iron-rich jasper)

Microcrystalline quartz, SiO₂, colored by iron oxides and other inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; opaque brown, black, and reddish coloration with a glossy polished luster. Cryptocrystalline quartz has no visible crystal faces or cleavage and typically has specific gravity near 2.6.

Identified September 11, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Polished brown jasper (likely ocean jasper or iron-rich jasper)
Scientific name: Microcrystalline quartz, SiO₂, colored by iron oxides and other inclusions
Category: mineral
Identified: September 11, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$25 for a small polished common piece; unusual patterns, provenance, or high-quality lapidary work may bring $30–$100+.

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

Forms when silica-rich fluids replace or cement volcanic or sedimentary material, with iron oxides producing the brown-red colors; age depends on locality, commonly Paleozoic to Cenozoic. The rounded shape and shine indicate human polishing, possibly from a river-worn cobble.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, polished stones, and decorative objects; jasper is also collected as an ornamental lapidary material.

Geological facts

Jasper is a variety of chalcedony or microcrystalline quartz and may show banding, brecciation, orbicular patterns, or dendritic inclusions. This specimen’s dark streaks could reflect magnetite or manganese/iron-rich zones.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its opaque appearance, waxy-to-glassy polish, lack of cleavage, and ability to scratch glass; it should not fizz in dilute hydrochloric acid. Common sources include India, Madagascar, Brazil, Mexico, Australia, and the western United States.