mineral

Polished red jasper

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

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; opaque brick-red to orange-red, smooth polished surface, vitreous to waxy luster, cryptocrystalline quartz with no visible cleavage. The dark flecks likely represent iron-rich or other mineral inclusions.

Identified August 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Jasper forms when silica-rich fluids replace or cement fine-grained sediments or volcanic material, with hematite/goethite producing the red color; specimens may range from Precambrian to much younger deposits. Common sources include India, Madagascar, Brazil, South Africa, Australia, and the United States.

Uses & applications

Used for tumbled stones, cabochons, carvings, beads, decorative objects, and lapidary work; rarely used as an aggregate or ornamental stone in architecture.

Geological facts

Jasper is a variety of chalcedony/microcrystalline quartz and is technically a rock rather than a single mineral. Its opaque appearance distinguishes it from translucent red carnelian.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its opaque red color, very fine texture, glass-scratching hardness, and lack of cleavage; an iron-streaked surface and conchoidal fracture support identification. The photo shows a shaped or tumbled specimen, so exact locality cannot be determined.