mineral

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

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

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque brown to reddish-brown with black patches, fine-grained texture, and waxy to glassy polish; quartz hardness is about 6.5–7 Mohs, with no visible cleavage and specific gravity near 2.6.

Identified September 5, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Polished brown jasper (probable ocean jasper or iron-rich jasper)
Scientific name: Microcrystalline quartz/chalcedony, SiO₂, colored by iron oxides and other inclusions
Category: mineral
Identified: September 5, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $3–$20 for a common polished piece; $20–$100+ if it has distinctive patterns, provenance, or exceptional polish.

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

Opaque brown to reddish-brown with black patches, fine-grained texture, and waxy to glassy polish; quartz hardness is about 6.5–7 Mohs, with no visible cleavage and specific gravity near 2.6.

Formation & geological history

Jasper forms when silica-rich fluids replace or cement volcanic, sedimentary, or hydrothermal material; its exact geological age and locality cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, polished stones, and collector specimens; it has modest jewelry value unless unusually patterned or from a desirable locality.

Geological facts

Jasper is a variety of opaque chalcedony or microcrystalline quartz, and its colors commonly result from hematite, goethite, or other iron minerals.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its opaque appearance, hardness, fine texture, and resistance to scratching by steel; common sources include India, Madagascar, Brazil, Australia, Mexico, and the western United States.