metamorphic

Presumably bumblebee jasper (polished cabochon)

Bumblebee jasper; a trade name for a calcite–aragonite-rich rock with yellow orpiment and dark sulfide minerals, commonly pyrite and/or realgar

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Yellow-orange with dark gray to black bands and spots; typically opaque, with a waxy to polished luster. Soft compared with quartz (often roughly Mohs 3–4); exact properties vary with composition.

Identified October 8, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Presumably bumblebee jasper (polished cabochon)
Scientific name: Bumblebee jasper; a trade name for a calcite–aragonite-rich rock with yellow orpiment and dark sulfide minerals, commonly pyrite and/or realgar
Category: metamorphic
Identified: October 8, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 USD for a small polished cabochon, depending on size, pattern, and workmanship.

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

Yellow-orange with dark gray to black bands and spots; typically opaque, with a waxy to polished luster. Soft compared with quartz (often roughly Mohs 3–4); exact properties vary with composition.

Formation & geological history

Forms in volcanic fumarolic or hydrothermal environments, where sulfur-rich fluids deposit colorful minerals; known material is associated with Indonesia’s Mount Papandayan and is geologically recent. The pictured cabochon cannot be confirmed from appearance alone.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, and decorative pieces; avoid prolonged skin contact or dust, as some specimens may contain arsenic-bearing minerals.

Geological facts

Despite the name, it is not jasper, and its vivid yellow color is typically not from quartz. The specimen’s yellow-and-black pattern is consistent with the trade material.

Field identification & locations

Look for opaque lemon-yellow areas crossed by irregular dark bands; confirm with mineral testing or provenance because similar patterned stones exist. Commonly marketed from West Java, Indonesia.