mineral

Polished brown jasper pebble

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

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque, rounded and polished; chocolate-brown to golden-brown with darker mottling, matte-to-waxy luster, and no visible cleavage. Hardness is approximately 6.5–7 Mohs; specific gravity about 2.6–2.7; cryptocrystalline quartz structure.

Identified September 3, 2026More mineral →

Explore Polished brown jasper pebble in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Jasper forms when silica-rich fluids replace or cement volcanic ash, sediments, or other rocks, with iron oxides producing the brown and gold colors. Most specimens are Precambrian to younger, and this piece has likely been tumbled or polished by humans.

Uses & applications

Used as an ornamental stone, cabochon, bead, carving material, and inexpensive lapidary collectible; it has little structural or industrial use.

Geological facts

Jasper is an opaque variety of chalcedony and quartz, distinguished from agate by its lack of translucency. Golden coloration commonly reflects limonite or hematite inclusions.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its opaque appearance, waxy polish, quartz-like hardness, and resistance to scratching by steel; a streak test should be white to colorless. Common sources include India, Madagascar, Brazil, Australia, Mexico, and the western United States.