metamorphic

Polished tiger-eye jasper / iron-rich jasper

Quartz-rich jasper (microcrystalline SiO₂) with iron oxides, likely hematite/goethite and magnetite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7; opaque ochre-brown with black patches, earthy to waxy luster, very fine-grained cryptocrystalline quartz, and no visible cleavage. The concentric banding and iron staining suggest jasper rather than true fibrous tiger’s-eye.

Identified September 10, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Polished tiger-eye jasper / iron-rich jasper
Scientific name: Quartz-rich jasper (microcrystalline SiO₂) with iron oxides, likely hematite/goethite and magnetite
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 10, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Typically $5–$30 for a small polished specimen; unusual patterning, provenance, or larger lapidary pieces may reach $50–$150.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Silica-rich groundwater replaced or cemented an earlier rock, while iron minerals produced the brown, yellow, and black coloration; later polishing exposed the banding. Jasper deposits are commonly Paleozoic to younger, though this specimen’s exact age cannot be determined visually.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, worry stones, and decorative objects; durable but generally less valuable than transparent gemstones.

Geological facts

Jasper is a variety of opaque chalcedony or microcrystalline quartz, and its patterns arise from impurities and replacement textures rather than large crystals.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its opaque appearance, strong iron-oxide colors, quartz hardness, and lack of cleavage; common sources include India, Madagascar, Brazil, Australia, and the western United States. A polished face and rounded edges indicate human shaping.