mineral

Polished red jasper

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

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque reddish-brown, polished with a waxy-to-glassy luster; quartz hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs, trigonal crystal structure at microscopic scale, and no cleavage. The narrow contrasting band may be a natural mineral vein or matrix inclusion.

Identified September 26, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms as silica-rich material fills cavities or replaces sediment, with iron oxides producing the red color; jasper deposits occur in rocks of many geological ages. This small specimen’s exact locality and age cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, ornaments, and lapidary collectibles; jasper is generally not an industrial construction material.

Geological facts

Jasper is a trade name for patterned, opaque chalcedony; its color and banding can vary greatly even within one deposit.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its opaque red color, fine-grained texture, and ability to scratch glass; common sources include India, Brazil, Australia, and the United States. The pictured piece appears tumbled or polished.