gemstone

Red jasper cabochon pendant

Jasper—opaque microcrystalline quartz/chalcedony, primarily SiO₂, colored red by iron oxides

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Polished, opaque reddish-brown surface with vitreous-to-waxy luster; typically hardness 6.5–7 Mohs, no visible cleavage, cryptocrystalline structure, and specific gravity about 2.5–2.7. The metal fittings are manufactured, but the pendant stone is geological material.

Identified August 16, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich fluids cement or replace sedimentary or volcanic material, with hematite/goethite producing the red color. Jasper deposits are generally ancient, ranging from Precambrian to younger volcanic and sedimentary settings.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, pendants, carvings, and decorative objects; ordinary polished pieces have modest commercial value.

Geological facts

Jasper is a variety of opaque chalcedony and may grade into chert or iron-rich breccia. Color and pattern—not transparency—are its main identifying features.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its opaque red color, very fine texture, glassy polish, and inability to scratch with a steel knife easily. Red jasper is common worldwide, including Venezuela and the Caribbean region; definitive identification would require testing or removing the setting.