sedimentary

Polished leopard skin jasper

Orbicular jasper/chert; chiefly microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂) with iron-oxide and other mineral inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; opaque pink, red, gray, cream, and brown orbicular pattern; vitreous to waxy luster; cryptocrystalline quartz with no visible cleavage and conchoidal fracture. The specimen is highly polished and tumbled or shaped.

Identified September 7, 2026More sedimentary →

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At a glance

Common name: Polished leopard skin jasper
Scientific name: Orbicular jasper/chert; chiefly microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂) with iron-oxide and other mineral inclusions
Category: sedimentary
Identified: September 7, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $10–$40 for a polished palm stone; $50–$150 or more for unusually vivid, large, or finely patterned specimens.

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

Formation & geological history

Formed when silica-rich volcanic or sedimentary material was replaced by microcrystalline quartz, with concentric mineral growth producing the leopard-like orbs. Most commercial material comes from Madagascar and similar jasper-bearing regions; its exact age depends on locality.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, polished display stones, and lapidary art; valued mainly as an ornamental gemstone rather than for construction.

Geological facts

The circular “spots” are orbicules formed by layered silica and iron- or manganese-bearing minerals, not fossils. Patterns vary greatly, making attractive pieces popular with collectors.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its dense opaque body, rounded multicolor orbs, quartz-like hardness, and inability to scratch with a steel knife; it should not fizz in dilute acid. Common sources include Madagascar, Mexico, Australia, and parts of the western United States.