metamorphic
Polished red orbicular jasper
Jasper, an opaque microcrystalline variety of quartz (SiO₂), with iron-oxide coloring
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; reddish-brown with rounded orbicular patterns, opaque, and waxy to vitreous when polished. Its quartz crystals are too fine to see individually; no visible cleavage.
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Physical properties
Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; reddish-brown with rounded orbicular patterns, opaque, and waxy to vitreous when polished. Its quartz crystals are too fine to see individually; no visible cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Silica-rich fluids deposited and cemented fine-grained material, with iron oxides providing the red color; orbicular patterns formed during mineral growth or alteration. The precise age and locality cannot be determined from the image.
Uses & applications
Polished jasper is used for cabochons, beads, carvings, and display pieces; it has little major industrial use.
Geological facts
“Orbicular” describes the rounded, eye-like markings; similar patterns can form in several kinds of silica-rich rocks.
Field identification & locations
Identify it by its opaque red color, hardness, and rounded contrasting patterns; jasper is found worldwide, including notable deposits in Madagascar, Australia, and the western United States. The source cannot be established visually.
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