mineral
Polished Ocean Jasper beads
Orbicular jasper (microcrystalline quartz, SiO₂), commonly sold as ocean jasper
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; multicolored green, cream, tan, and reddish-brown orbicular patterns; vitreous to waxy luster; cryptocrystalline quartz with no visible cleavage. The rounded beads are drilled and polished.
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Physical properties
Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; multicolored green, cream, tan, and reddish-brown orbicular patterns; vitreous to waxy luster; cryptocrystalline quartz with no visible cleavage. The rounded beads are drilled and polished.
Formation & geological history
Formed mainly from silica-rich volcanic material altered and silicified, producing concentric spherulitic or orbicular textures; Madagascar deposits are generally Cenozoic, though exact ages vary by locality.
Uses & applications
Used for necklaces, cabochons, carvings, and decorative objects; valued more for attractive pattern and polish than for industrial applications.
Geological facts
“Ocean jasper” is a lapidary trade name rather than a single formally defined mineral species. Its characteristic orbs may consist of quartz, feldspar, chalcedony, and iron-oxide-rich minerals.
Field identification & locations
Identify by opaque multicolored chalcedonic/jasper material with repeated circular orb patterns and a glassy polish; classic material comes from remote coastal areas near Marovato, Madagascar. Similar orbicular jasper occurs elsewhere, so locality claims should be documented.
