
sedimentary
Polished orbicular jasper
Orbicular jasper, an opaque microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂) aggregate with iron-oxide and other mineral inclusions
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; gray, cream, mustard-yellow, and brown orbicular patterns; dull to waxy/vitreous luster when polished; massive, cryptocrystalline structure with no cleavage; specific gravity roughly 2.5–2.7.
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Polished orbicular jasper in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; gray, cream, mustard-yellow, and brown orbicular patterns; dull to waxy/vitreous luster when polished; massive, cryptocrystalline structure with no cleavage; specific gravity roughly 2.5–2.7.
Formation & geological history
Forms when silica-rich fluids cement volcanic or sedimentary material and mineral-rich centers develop concentric or radiating bands, commonly with limonite/goethite producing yellow-brown colors. Most specimens are Cenozoic to older, depending on locality.
Uses & applications
Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, polished display stones, and lapidary art; generally not used structurally.
Geological facts
The circular markings are orbicules or brecciated/infilled patterns, not biological fossils. Similar material may be sold as ocean jasper, rainforest jasper, or simply orbicular jasper, though trade names can overlap.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its opaque body, glassy polish, fine-grained texture, and rounded contrasting orbs; it should not show large visible quartz crystals. Common sources include Madagascar, Mexico, Australia, Oregon, and the western United States.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Quartz pebble
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
sedimentary
Sedimentary Sandstone
Arenite (Sedimentary Rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary