mineral

Polished leopard jasper (likely ocean jasper or brecciated jasper)

Microcrystalline quartz, SiO₂, with iron oxides and other accessory minerals

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 6.5–7 Mohs; opaque cream, gold, purple, and brown patterned surface with waxy to vitreous polish. Massive, cryptocrystalline quartz; no visible cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and typically moderate density (~2.6 g/cm³).

Identified August 16, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich fluids replace or cement volcanic rocks, producing orbicular, brecciated, or flow-patterned textures; associated volcanic deposits are commonly Cenozoic to older. The pictured material is shaped and polished into a pointed cabochon or wand.

Uses & applications

Used for ornamental carvings, cabochons, worry stones, crystal collecting, and decorative objects; it has no established scientific healing properties.

Geological facts

“Jasper” is a trade and lapidary term for opaque, silica-rich chalcedony varieties. Purple and yellow colors generally reflect manganese- or iron-bearing minerals and iron-oxide staining.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its opaque patterned appearance, fine-grained texture, high polish, and inability to scratch with a steel knife; glass or quartz can scratch it. Common sources include Madagascar, Mexico, Indonesia, and the western United States.