mineral

Polished jasper

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

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque, smoothly polished brown, tan, reddish, and black mottling; vitreous to waxy luster; hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; no visible cleavage; cryptocrystalline structure; specific gravity roughly 2.5–2.7.

Identified August 25, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Jasper forms when silica-rich groundwater fills or replaces sedimentary or volcanic material, with iron oxides producing the warm colors. Deposits occur in many ages, commonly Precambrian to Cenozoic.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, worry stones, and ornamental objects; generally valued as an attractive lapidary material rather than a gemstone of high rarity.

Geological facts

The exact variety may be brecciated, leopard, picture, or simply multicolored jasper; the blurred image prevents a precise subtype identification.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its opaque appearance, fine mottled patterns, lack of cleavage, and ability to scratch glass; it typically does not show large quartz crystals. Common sources include India, Madagascar, Brazil, Mexico, Australia, and the western United States.