mineral

Polished brown jasper

Jasper, an opaque microcrystalline variety of quartz (SiO₂), likely iron-rich brecciated or orbicular jasper

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mohs hardness 6.5–7; brown, tan, black, and cream mottling with a vitreous-to-waxy polish; cryptocrystalline quartz, massive, with no visible cleavage. Specific gravity is typically about 2.5–2.7.

Identified September 6, 2026More mineral →

Explore Polished brown jasper in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

At a glance

Common name: Polished brown jasper
Scientific name: Jasper, an opaque microcrystalline variety of quartz (SiO₂), likely iron-rich brecciated or orbicular jasper
Category: mineral
Identified: September 6, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $5–$30 for a palm-sized ordinary polished piece; $30–$150 or more for unusually attractive patterns, provenance, or expert lapidary work.

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 cement and replace volcanic or sedimentary material, with iron oxides producing the brown coloration; deposits range from Precambrian to younger volcanic terrains. The wet, glossy surface appears polished or tumbled.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, carvings, beads, decorative stone, and ornamental objects; generally valued as a lapidary material rather than a gemstone of high rarity.

Geological facts

Jasper is technically a rock composed mainly of quartz and commonly includes hematite, goethite, clay, or volcanic fragments. Patterns and names vary widely, including picture, brecciated, orbicular, and ocean jasper.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its opacity, dense fine-grained texture, lack of cleavage, and inability to scratch it with a steel knife; quartz glass or streak plates may be scratched. Common sources include India, Madagascar, Brazil, Australia, and the western United States.