mineral

Polished red jasper

Jasper, microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂) with iron-oxide inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque reddish-brown, glossy from polishing, and cryptocrystalline with no visible cleavage; Mohs hardness about 6.5–7 and specific gravity roughly 2.5–2.7. The image is blurred, so exact identification is approximate; it could also be carnelian or another red chalcedony.

Identified August 19, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich groundwater fills cavities or replaces sediment, with iron oxides producing the red color; deposits range from Precambrian to recent. Common sources include India, Brazil, Madagascar, Australia, and the western United States.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, tumbled stones, ornaments, and lapidary craft; jasper is generally not an industrial construction stone in small specimens.

Geological facts

Red coloration typically comes from hematite or goethite. Unlike transparent carnelian, jasper is usually opaque and may show mottling, bands, or brecciation.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its opaque red-to-brown color, glassy polish, lack of cleavage, and resistance to scratching; a steel file should not easily scratch it. Confirm with magnification and specific-gravity or hardness testing, since the photograph lacks detail.