mineral

Polished jasper (likely brecciated or orbicular jasper)

Microcrystalline quartz/chalcedony, SiO₂, with iron-oxide and other mineral impurities

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; opaque, brown-red, cream, and gray; waxy to glassy luster when polished; cryptocrystalline quartz with no visible cleavage; specific gravity about 2.55–2.70.

Identified September 21, 2026More mineral →

Explore Polished jasper (likely brecciated or orbicular 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 jasper (likely brecciated or orbicular jasper)
Scientific name: Microcrystalline quartz/chalcedony, SiO₂, with iron-oxide and other mineral impurities
Category: mineral
Identified: September 21, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $5–$30 for a common polished piece; $30–$100+ for unusually attractive patterns or larger collector-quality material.

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

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; opaque, brown-red, cream, and gray; waxy to glassy luster when polished; cryptocrystalline quartz with no visible cleavage; specific gravity about 2.55–2.70.

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich groundwater fills cavities or replaces volcanic and sedimentary material, while iron oxides create the red-brown coloration and patterning. Most jasper is geologically young to Precambrian, depending on its host deposit.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, ornaments, and polished display stones; occasionally used as decorative facing material. Common specimens generally have modest market value.

Geological facts

The mottled appearance may indicate brecciated jasper, where fractured fragments were cemented by silica, or orbicular jasper if rounded internal patches are present.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its opaque patterned body, silica-like hardness, and inability to scratch with a steel knife easily; it should not show the translucent edges typical of agate. Found worldwide, notably in the United States, Madagascar, Australia, Brazil, and India.