mineral

Polished ocean jasper (orbicular jasper), possibly brecciated jasper

Microcrystalline quartz/chalcedony (SiO₂) with iron-oxide pigments and minor volcanic inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; opaque to translucent, waxy to glassy luster, with red-brown, gray, cream, and green patterns. It has no visible cleavage and is commonly massive rather than crystalline.

Identified August 30, 2026More mineral →

Explore Polished ocean jasper (orbicular jasper), possibly brecciated jasper in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

At a glance

Common name: Polished ocean jasper (orbicular jasper), possibly brecciated jasper
Scientific name: Microcrystalline quartz/chalcedony (SiO₂) with iron-oxide pigments and minor volcanic inclusions
Category: mineral
Identified: August 30, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 for a palm-sized polished common piece; $40–$150+ for unusually vivid, orbicular, or high-quality 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

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; opaque to translucent, waxy to glassy luster, with red-brown, gray, cream, and green patterns. It has no visible cleavage and is commonly massive rather than crystalline.

Formation & geological history

Formed when silica-rich fluids replaced or filled cavities in volcanic rocks, with iron oxides producing the red-brown coloration; many ocean jasper varieties formed in Cenozoic volcanic environments of Madagascar. The specimen is polished and wet, enhancing its colors.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, polished stones, and lapidary collections; it is generally decorative rather than industrial.

Geological facts

“Ocean jasper” is a trade name, not a single formally defined mineral species. Orbicular patterns, if present, result from concentric silica and mineral growth around nucleation centers.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its opaque chalcedony-like body, vivid iron-red patches, curved/brecciated patterns, and lack of cleavage; a steel file should barely scratch it. Common material comes from Madagascar, especially coastal deposits.