mineral

Polished red jasper and carnelian-like stones

Jasper: microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), commonly colored by iron oxides; translucent piece may be carnelian, a chalcedony variety

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; red-orange to brown, opaque to slightly translucent, waxy to vitreous luster, cryptocrystalline quartz with no visible cleavage. The pieces appear tumbled or polished, with possible natural banding or brecciation.

Identified September 4, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Polished red jasper and carnelian-like stones
Scientific name: Jasper: microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), commonly colored by iron oxides; translucent piece may be carnelian, a chalcedony variety
Category: mineral
Identified: September 4, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $2–$15 for small common polished pieces; $20–$75 for attractive patterned or larger specimens.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich groundwater fills cavities or replaces sedimentary/volcanic rock, with iron producing the red coloration. Deposits occur in many ages, commonly in volcanic and sedimentary environments.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, worry stones, and decorative objects; jasper is inexpensive and popular in lapidary work.

Geological facts

Jasper and carnelian are varieties of chalcedony or microcrystalline quartz; color intensity commonly reflects hematite or other iron-oxide inclusions.

Field identification & locations

Identify by testing hardness against ordinary steel or glass, observing the opaque red body and waxy polish, and checking for quartz-like conchoidal fracture. Common sources include India, Madagascar, Brazil, Australia, Mexico, and the western United States.