sedimentary

Polished Yellow Jaspar

Chalcedony / Quartz (SiO2 with Iron Oxides)

Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs. Color: Yellowish-brown, ochre, mustard yellow with reddish or brownish undertones. Luster: Waxy to vitreous. Crystal Structure: Microcrystalline/Cryptocrystalline. Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: ~2.6.

Hardness: 6
Luster: Waxy to vitreous

Identified July 26, 2026More sedimentary →

Explore Polished Yellow Jaspar in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the deposition of silica-rich fluids within sedimentary or altered volcanic rocks, often infused with iron hydroxide minerals (such as goethite or limonite) that impart the rich yellow-brown color.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in lapidary arts, jewelry (cabochons, pendants), decorative carved items, palm stones, and for ornamental display.

Geological facts

Yellow jasper has been utilized by humans since antiquity for seals, amulets, and stone tools. Its color is due to microscopic inclusions of goethite and limonite embedded within the quartz matrix.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its opacity, hardness (will scratch steel and glass), waxy polish, and earthy yellow to brownish hue. Common worldwide, particularly in the western USA, Madagascar, South Africa, and Brazil.

Other sedimentary specimens

See all

Sandstone or Siltstone

Arenite (if sandstone)

Sedimentary

Sedimentary Sandstone

Arenite (Sedimentary Rock)

sedimentary

Fossiliferous Concretion

Septarian Concretion containing Brachiopods/Crinoids

fossil

Shale

Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)

sedimentary

Shale

Sedimentary Shale

sedimentary

Shale and Pebble Fragment

Sedimentary Rock (Mudstone/Shale with Silica Pebble)

sedimentary