mineral
Polished red jasper (likely brecciated jasper)
Jasper, microcrystalline quartz/chalcedony; primarily SiO₂ with iron-oxide coloring
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectOpaque deep red to orange-brown with black-gray veins and patches; vitreous to waxy luster when polished, cryptocrystalline structure, hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs, no visible cleavage, specific gravity roughly 2.5–2.7.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Polished red jasper (likely brecciated jasper) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Opaque deep red to orange-brown with black-gray veins and patches; vitreous to waxy luster when polished, cryptocrystalline structure, hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs, no visible cleavage, specific gravity roughly 2.5–2.7.
Formation & geological history
Forms when silica-rich fluids cement fine sediments, volcanic ash, or breccia fragments, with hematite/goethite producing the red color; deposits range from Precambrian to Cenozoic depending on locality.
Uses & applications
Used as ornamental stone, cabochons, beads, carvings, paperweights, and lapidary material; durable but generally inexpensive compared with gem minerals.
Geological facts
The dark patterning may indicate brecciation or manganese/iron-rich inclusions; polished jasper commonly receives a very high gloss because of its fine-grained quartz texture.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its opacity, red iron-rich color, glassy/waxy polish, and resistance to scratching by a steel knife; common sources include India, Madagascar, Brazil, the United States, Australia, and Mexico.
