mineral

Polished Bumblebee jasper

Bumblebee jasper (calcite–orpiment/realgar-rich volcanic material; composition varies)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Yellow-orange, gray, and black banding with a polished vitreous-to-waxy luster; typically opaque, fine-grained, and lacking visible cleavage. Hardness is variable, commonly about 3–5 Mohs, and specific gravity is variable; the vivid yellow material may contain soft, reactive sulfide minerals.

Identified August 23, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in volcanic fumarolic or hydrothermal environments, especially associated with altered material near Mount Papandayan, Java, Indonesia. It is relatively young volcanic material, generally Quaternary in age.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as a lapidary stone for cabochons, polished slabs, carvings, and display specimens; it is not a major industrial construction stone.

Geological facts

Despite the trade name “jasper,” many specimens are not true quartz-rich jasper and may contain calcite, sulfur, sulfides, and volcanic alteration minerals. Avoid grinding, licking, or prolonged skin contact because some yellow components may include arsenic-bearing minerals.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its saturated mustard-yellow/orange swirls against dark gray to black volcanic bands, commonly with a smooth polish and variable softness. Common material comes from Java; verify authenticity and test composition before cutting.