mineral

Polished orange jasper

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

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; orange, red, cream, and gray mottling; dull to waxy luster; cryptocrystalline quartz with no visible cleavage and conchoidal fracture. The rounded shape indicates tumbling or natural water abrasion.

Identified August 17, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich fluids cement or replace fine-grained sediments or volcanic material, with iron oxides producing the warm colors; ages vary widely, commonly Paleozoic to younger. Common in volcanic and hydrothermal terrains.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, bookends, and polished display stones; also a popular lapidary and collecting material. It has little industrial value compared with quartzite or aggregate.

Geological facts

Jasper is technically a rock rather than a single mineral, although quartz is its dominant component. Similar-looking orange chalcedony is more translucent, whereas jasper is generally opaque.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its opacity, hardness, waxy surface, mottled iron-stained colors, and inability to scratch with a steel knife easily; glass should be scratched by it. Common sources include India, Madagascar, Brazil, Mexico, and the western United States.