mineral
Polished red jasper
Jasper, an opaque microcrystalline variety of quartz (SiO₂), colored mainly by iron oxides
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectTypically Mohs 6.5–7; rusty red-brown with gray patches, opaque, and dull to vitreous when polished. Quartz has a trigonal crystal structure, but its microscopic grains are not visible; no distinct cleavage.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Polished red jasper in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Typically Mohs 6.5–7; rusty red-brown with gray patches, opaque, and dull to vitreous when polished. Quartz has a trigonal crystal structure, but its microscopic grains are not visible; no distinct cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Forms as silica-rich material that becomes microcrystalline quartz, with iron oxides producing the red color; deposits occur in many ages and geological settings. The image shows a polished, tumbled pebble.
Uses & applications
Used for beads, cabochons, ornaments, and lapidary collecting; jasper is also used decoratively in some architectural work.
Geological facts
Jasper’s colors and patterns arise from impurities and inclusions; the name encompasses many visually distinct varieties.
Field identification & locations
The opaque appearance, iron-red color, and mottled pattern are consistent with jasper, though photo identification is uncertain. Found worldwide, including Brazil, India, Australia, and the United States.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral