mineral

Polished jasper pebble, likely red/orange jasper

Microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), opaque variety commonly colored by iron oxides

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque orange-red with darker bands and a polished, waxy-to-vitreous luster. Quartz hardness is about 7 Mohs; jasper has no visible cleavage and a cryptocrystalline structure.

Identified October 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Opaque orange-red with darker bands and a polished, waxy-to-vitreous luster. Quartz hardness is about 7 Mohs; jasper has no visible cleavage and a cryptocrystalline structure.

Formation & geological history

Jasper forms when silica-rich fluids fill or replace rock, with iron oxides creating its color and banding. It occurs in many geological ages and settings, including volcanic and sedimentary formations.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, carvings, and decorative objects; small polished pebbles are collected or used in crafts.

Geological facts

Jasper is a variety of chalcedony, itself a microcrystalline form of quartz; its patterns and colors vary widely with impurities.

Field identification & locations

Look for opacity, fine texture, and hardness sufficient to scratch glass; orange color alone is not diagnostic. Jasper occurs worldwide, including India, Australia, Brazil, and the western United States.