gemstone

Polished red jasper pebble

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

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Smooth, rounded and polished; brick-red with darker mottling and a waxy to vitreous luster. Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; microcrystalline quartz with no visible cleavage. Specific gravity about 2.6.

Identified October 11, 2026More gemstone →

Explore Polished red jasper pebble in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Smooth, rounded and polished; brick-red with darker mottling and a waxy to vitreous luster. Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; microcrystalline quartz with no visible cleavage. Specific gravity about 2.6.

Formation & geological history

Jasper forms as silica-rich material that fills cavities or replaces sediment, with iron oxides providing its color; it may occur in sedimentary or volcanic settings. Its age cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Commonly cut and polished for beads, cabochons, ornaments, and lapidary collections; jasper is also used decoratively.

Geological facts

Jasper is an opaque form of chalcedony, unlike transparent quartz crystals; its patterns and colors vary widely with impurities.

Field identification & locations

The opaque red color, fine-grained texture, and hardness are typical clues; red jasper occurs worldwide, including in the western United States, India, and Australia. The pictured piece appears to be a small tumbled pebble.