mineral

Polished orange jasper

Jasper, microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), commonly colored by iron oxides

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque orange-red to brown with dark gray/black mottling, waxy to glossy luster, and no visible cleavage; Mohs hardness about 6.5–7, conchoidal fracture, and specific gravity near 2.6. The rounded shape indicates tumbling or polishing.

Identified August 20, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Jasper forms when silica-rich fluids replace or cement volcanic ash, sediments, or other rock, with iron minerals producing the orange-red color. Deposits are generally Precambrian to Phanerozoic, depending on locality.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, ornamental objects, and lapidary pieces; lower-grade material is sold as decorative stone rather than construction aggregate.

Geological facts

The specimen may be brecciated jasper if its dark patches represent cemented rock fragments; similar orange material is sometimes marketed as red jasper or brecciated jasper.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its opacity, strong orange-red iron staining, fine-grained texture, hardness, and lack of crystal faces; it should not scratch easily with a steel knife. Common sources include India, Madagascar, Brazil, South Africa, and the western United States.