mineral

Polished bumblebee jasper bead

Bumblebee jasper (trade name); chiefly calcite, aragonite, and pyrite, with variable realgar/orpiment and other minerals

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque polished bead with mustard-yellow/orange and gray-brown bands; Mohs hardness varies, roughly 3–4 for calcite-rich areas. The name is misleading: it is a mineral aggregate, not true jasper.

Identified October 3, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Opaque polished bead with mustard-yellow/orange and gray-brown bands; Mohs hardness varies, roughly 3–4 for calcite-rich areas. The name is misleading: it is a mineral aggregate, not true jasper.

Formation & geological history

Forms in volcanic fumarole environments through deposition and alteration by hot, mineral-rich fluids; notable material comes from Indonesia, especially Java. It is geologically young compared with many gemstone materials.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, pendants, and decorative carvings; not suitable for heavy-wear jewelry because it is relatively soft and may contain toxic arsenic sulfides.

Geological facts

Its vivid yellow and orange colors are often associated with sulfur-bearing minerals, while gray areas may contain calcite or other minerals.

Field identification & locations

Look for contrasting yellow-orange, gray, and brown bands in a polished surface; appearance alone cannot confirm the exact mineral mix. Avoid sanding or inhaling dust, and wash hands after handling because some specimens may contain arsenic minerals.