mineral

Polished jasper pebble

Microcrystalline quartz (chalcedony), chiefly SiO₂, colored by iron oxides

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mohs hardness 6.5–7; opaque, fine-grained, and commonly waxy to glassy when polished. The dark green-gray body with rusty orange-brown patches likely reflects iron-oxide staining; no visible cleavage and specific gravity is about 2.55–2.70.

Identified September 21, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Jasper forms when silica-rich fluids replace or cement volcanic ash, sediments, or other host rock, with iron producing red, brown, or orange zones. Its exact age cannot be determined from the photograph; jasper occurs in rocks ranging from Precambrian to young formations.

Uses & applications

Used as a decorative stone, cabochons, beads, carvings, and polished specimens; occasionally used for ornamental objects and lapidary work.

Geological facts

Jasper is a variety of opaque chalcedony and is often sold under locality or pattern names such as ocean, picture, or kambaba jasper, though trade names can be inconsistent.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its opaque, uniformly fine texture, strong polish, lack of cleavage, and resistance to scratching by steel; a streak, hardness, and locality are needed for certainty. Common sources include India, Madagascar, Brazil, Australia, and the western United States.