mineral
Polished brown jasper
Jasper, an opaque microcrystalline variety of quartz (SiO₂), colored by iron oxides
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness 6.5–7; opaque ochre-to-brown with darker mottling and a polished, vitreous-to-waxy luster. Microcrystalline quartz; no visible cleavage, with conchoidal fracture when broken.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness 6.5–7; opaque ochre-to-brown with darker mottling and a polished, vitreous-to-waxy luster. Microcrystalline quartz; no visible cleavage, with conchoidal fracture when broken.
Formation & geological history
Forms as silica-rich fluids fill cavities or replace sedimentary material, with iron oxides producing its color; deposits range from ancient to geologically recent. The pictured piece is tumbled and polished.
Uses & applications
Used for beads, cabochons, ornaments, and lapidary collecting; jasper is also used decoratively in carvings and small objects.
Geological facts
“Jasper” describes an opaque, patterned quartz material rather than one uniquely defined mineral species.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its opacity, hardness, and fine-grained texture; common sources include India, Brazil, Madagascar, Australia, and the western United States. This specimen’s exact variety cannot be determined from appearance alone.
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