mineral

Polished dendritic jasper or agate slab

Microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), likely jasper with chalcedony and iron/manganese dendrites

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque to semitranslucent brown, cream, and reddish material with intricate dendritic banding and waxy-to-glassy luster; quartz hardness is about 6.5–7 Mohs, with no obvious cleavage and conchoidal fracture. The strong sheen appears to come from polishing or a coating.

Identified August 8, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Silica-rich groundwater filled cavities and fractures in volcanic or sedimentary rock, while iron- and manganese-bearing fluids produced the branching patterns; formation is generally Cenozoic or older, depending on locality. Exact age and species require locality and testing.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, ornamental slabs, lapidary art, bookends, and decorative objects; value is mainly aesthetic rather than industrial.

Geological facts

Dendritic patterns are mineral growths, not fossils or plant impressions. The specimen may also be marketed as picture jasper, scenic jasper, or dendritic agate depending on translucency and pattern.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its fine microcrystalline texture, lack of visible quartz grains, hardness, and resistance to scratching by steel; a streak, specific-gravity, and hardness test can distinguish it from dyed resin or glass. Common sources include Oregon, Utah, Arizona, Mexico, Madagascar, and Australia.