mineral

Polished jasper (likely brecciated or orbicular jasper)

Jasper, microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂) with iron-oxide and other mineral impurities

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically hardness 6.5–7 Mohs, opaque, waxy to dull/vitreous luster, and red-brown, cream, gray, or yellow coloration from iron oxides. It has no visible cleavage and a dense, fine-grained cryptocrystalline structure; the rounded shape indicates tumbling or polishing.

Identified September 21, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

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

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$25 for a common polished/tumbled piece; $30–$100+ for unusually patterned, large, or provenance-documented 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

Formation & geological history

Jasper forms when silica-rich groundwater replaces or fills cavities and fractures in volcanic or sedimentary rocks, incorporating iron oxides and breccia fragments. Formation ages vary widely, commonly from Paleozoic to Cenozoic deposits.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, decorative stones, and lapidary collections; occasionally used as ornamental stone. It is generally valued for pattern and polish rather than rarity.

Geological facts

The mottled red-and-cream pattern is characteristic of iron-rich jasper, though exact identification requires examination of texture and locality. Jasper is a variety of chalcedony or microcrystalline quartz, not a single mineral species.

Field identification & locations

Common in volcanic terrains and sedimentary iron- and silica-rich deposits worldwide, including Australia, Brazil, India, Madagascar, Mexico, and the western United States. Field clues include opacity, fine texture, strong polish, and resistance to scratching by steel.