metamorphic

Polished leopard-skin jasper (likely orbicular jasper)

Silicified microcrystalline quartz/chalcedony with iron-oxide and volcanic inclusions; composition varies by locality

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; black, cream, tan, and brown orbicular pattern; vitreous to waxy luster; opaque, massive, with no visible cleavage. The rounded shape indicates tumbling or polishing.

Identified September 13, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Polished leopard-skin jasper (likely orbicular jasper)
Scientific name: Silicified microcrystalline quartz/chalcedony with iron-oxide and volcanic inclusions; composition varies by locality
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 13, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$25 for a small polished piece; $30–$100+ for unusually vivid patterning or artisan workmanship.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; black, cream, tan, and brown orbicular pattern; vitreous to waxy luster; opaque, massive, with no visible cleavage. The rounded shape indicates tumbling or polishing.

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich fluids replace or cement volcanic ash, breccia, or other rock, preserving contrasting iron-rich and quartz-rich orbs. It is generally Cenozoic to older depending on locality, commonly associated with volcanic terrains.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, worry stones, and decorative objects; valued mainly as an ornamental lapidary material.

Geological facts

“Leopard jasper” is a commercial name rather than one precisely defined mineral species; similar appearance can occur in orbicular rhyolite, jasper, or silicified volcanic rock.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its opaque black-and-cream orbicular pattern, very fine grain, glassy-to-waxy polish, and resistance to scratching by steel. Common sources include Mexico, Madagascar, Indonesia, and western North America; exact locality requires provenance or testing.