mineral

Polished multicolored jasper

Jasper, an opaque microcrystalline variety of quartz (SiO₂), likely iron- and manganese-stained chert

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; opaque, rounded and highly polished, with reddish-brown, green, yellow, black, and cream bands. Vitreous to waxy luster; cryptocrystalline quartz with no visible cleavage and specific gravity around 2.6.

Identified August 10, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich fluids replace or cement sediment, commonly incorporating iron oxides and other impurities that create the colors and bands. Deposits formed at various times from Precambrian to recent geological settings, so age cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, tumbled stones, and ornamental objects; occasionally used as decorative facing stone. Common polished specimens typically sell for about $5–$30, with unusually vivid patterns or large pieces reaching $50–$150.

Geological facts

The specimen appears waterworn or deliberately tumbled and polished, making exact locality identification difficult. Jasper is a variety of chalcedony/microcrystalline quartz rather than a single mineral species.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its opacity, fine-grained texture, strong iron-rich colors, and inability to scratch it with a steel knife; it should scratch glass but not quartz. Common worldwide in volcanic and sedimentary terrains, including India, Madagascar, Brazil, Australia, and the western United States.