mineral

Polished jasper, likely ocean jasper or orbicular jasper

Jasper: microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), commonly with chalcedony and iron-oxide inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque, cream, tan, brown, gray, and reddish mottling with a waxy to dull polished luster; quartz hardness is about 6.5–7 Mohs, no visible cleavage, and specific gravity about 2.5–2.7. The rounded form appears tumbled or hand-polished.

Identified September 6, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Polished jasper, likely ocean jasper or orbicular jasper
Scientific name: Jasper: microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), commonly with chalcedony and iron-oxide inclusions
Category: mineral
Identified: September 6, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $10–$50 for a common polished piece; $50–$200+ for unusually attractive, confirmed ocean or orbicular jasper.

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

Forms when silica-rich groundwater fills cavities or replaces volcanic and sedimentary material, with iron and other minerals creating the patterns. Ocean jasper formed in altered volcanic rocks, notably in Miocene-age deposits of northwestern Madagascar; exact locality cannot be confirmed from the image.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, ornamental objects, and lapidary specimens; too patterned and opaque for typical faceted gemstone use.

Geological facts

Jasper is a variety of chert distinguished by abundant impurities and strong coloration. Orbicular varieties contain rounded mineral patterns, but the visible patterning here is irregular and may represent brecciation or multiple jasper types.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its opacity, very fine texture, hardness, and inability to scratch with a steel knife; it should not show glassy quartz grains or strong translucence. Common sources include Madagascar, India, Brazil, Mexico, and the western United States.