sedimentary
Polished jasper pebble
Jasper (microcrystalline quartz, SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectOpaque, smooth brown-and-tan pebble with subtle internal veining and a lighter outer rind; quartz hardness is 6.5–7 Mohs, with a waxy to vitreous luster and no visible cleavage. Jasper is microcrystalline and has a trigonal crystal structure.
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Polished jasper pebble in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Opaque, smooth brown-and-tan pebble with subtle internal veining and a lighter outer rind; quartz hardness is 6.5–7 Mohs, with a waxy to vitreous luster and no visible cleavage. Jasper is microcrystalline and has a trigonal crystal structure.
Formation & geological history
Jasper forms when silica-rich fluids or sediments become mineralized, often with iron oxides adding color; it occurs in deposits of many geological ages. The pebble has been naturally rounded and then polished.
Uses & applications
Used for beads, cabochons, ornaments, and lapidary collecting; jasper is not generally used as structural stone.
Geological facts
Jasper is an opaque variety of chalcedony, and its colors and patterns vary widely with mineral impurities.
Field identification & locations
Look for an opaque, dense, fine-grained surface and earthy patterns rather than distinct crystals; common sources include Brazil, India, Madagascar, and the western United States. A small polished pebble like this typically sells for about $2–$15 USD.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary
Quartz pebble
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary