sedimentary

Polished jasper

Microcrystalline quartz (chalcedony), chiefly SiO₂, with iron-oxide and other mineral impurities

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque, rounded and polished; reddish-brown, gray, and cream banding or brecciation; dull to vitreous luster; hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; no visible cleavage; cryptocrystalline structure; specific gravity approximately 2.55–2.70.

Identified September 21, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Jasper forms when silica-rich groundwater replaces or fills volcanic ash, sediment, or fractures, with iron oxides producing the red and brown colors. Its precise geological age cannot be determined from the photograph; deposits range from Precambrian to recent.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, tumbled stones, and ornamental objects; occasionally used as decorative facing stone. This small polished piece has modest lapidary value.

Geological facts

The contrasting pattern may be described as brecciated or scenic jasper, but a locality-specific trade name cannot be confirmed visually.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its opacity, earthy red coloration, fine texture, and inability to scratch glass only if tested carefully; a streak is usually white to pale brown. Common sources include the western United States, Madagascar, Brazil, India, and Australia.