mineral

Polished ocean jasper (orbicular jasper), probable

Microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂) with iron-oxide and other mineral inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; opaque, smooth, waxy to vitreous luster, with muted green-gray and brick-red patches. The rounded shape is tumbled/polished; internal banding or orbicular patterns are partly visible.

Identified August 19, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich volcanic fluids replace or fill cavities in altered volcanic rocks, with iron oxides producing the red coloration. Classic ocean jasper formed in Oligocene–Miocene volcanic rocks of Madagascar, roughly 5–30 million years old.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, polished stones, and mineral collections; it has little structural or industrial use.

Geological facts

“Ocean jasper” is a trade name rather than a single formally defined mineral species; red areas commonly contain hematite or related iron oxides.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its opaque fine-grained quartz texture, high polish, hardness, and contrasting red-green patterns; glass feels lighter and may show bubbles. Common material comes from Madagascar, while similar jasper occurs worldwide.