mineral

Polished orange jasper

Jasper, an opaque microcrystalline variety of quartz (SiO₂), colored by iron oxides

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mohs hardness 6.5–7; mottled orange, brown, and gray; smooth polished surface with a vitreous-to-waxy luster. Microcrystalline quartz, with no visible cleavage and conchoidal fracture when broken.

Identified October 16, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Mohs hardness 6.5–7; mottled orange, brown, and gray; smooth polished surface with a vitreous-to-waxy luster. Microcrystalline quartz, with no visible cleavage and conchoidal fracture when broken.

Formation & geological history

Jasper forms when silica-rich fluids fill cavities or replace sediment, with iron oxides producing its colors. It occurs in varied geological settings and ages; the image does not establish a specific source.

Uses & applications

Commonly cut and polished for beads, cabochons, ornaments, and collectible tumbled stones; some jasper is used decoratively in carvings and inlay.

Geological facts

Jasper is a descriptive trade name for opaque, patterned chalcedony rather than one uniquely defined mineral species.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its opacity, hardness, and fine-grained quartz texture; it typically resists scratching by a steel knife. Similar-looking orange stones may include other iron-stained chalcedonies, so definitive identification can require testing.