mineral

Polished red jasper

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

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mohs hardness 6.5–7; opaque brick-red to orange with white mineral veining, smooth polished surface and vitreous-to-waxy luster. Quartz has a trigonal crystal structure, but jasper is too fine-grained to show visible crystals or cleavage.

Identified September 29, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich fluids fill cavities or replace rock, with iron oxides supplying the red color; it occurs in many geological ages and settings. The visible white areas may be quartz or another mineral vein.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, ornaments, and small decorative objects; jasper is also collected as a lapidary material.

Geological facts

Jasper is a trade name for opaque, patterned chalcedony rather than a single uniquely defined mineral species.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its opaque red color, fine texture, hardness, and lack of visible grains; common sources include India, Australia, Brazil, and the western United States. This appears to be a small polished specimen, so its exact locality and veining mineral cannot be determined from the image.