mineral

Red jasper flake/tool blank

Jasper, microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), colored by iron oxides

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque brick-red to reddish-brown, waxy to dull luster, conchoidal fracture, no visible cleavage; Mohs hardness about 6.5–7 and specific gravity roughly 2.5–2.7. The regular flake-like shape and worked edges suggest it may be a polished or knapped jasper artifact rather than a naturally broken specimen.

Identified August 30, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Red jasper flake/tool blank
Scientific name: Jasper, microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), colored by iron oxides
Category: mineral
Identified: August 30, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$25 as a common jasper specimen or replica tool; genuine culturally significant archaeological material may require expert authentication and can be legally restricted.

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

Jasper forms when silica-rich fluids replace or cement fine sediments, with iron oxides producing the red color; deposits range from Precambrian to younger ages. It occurs in volcanic, sedimentary, and hydrothermal settings.

Uses & applications

Used as an ornamental stone, beads, cabochons, carvings, and lapidary material; historically suitable for sharp-edged tools when knapped. Common material has modest commercial value.

Geological facts

Jasper is a variety of chert and is composed mainly of quartz too fine-grained to show individual crystals. The apparent flaking and edge shaping may indicate human workmanship, though a photograph cannot confirm archaeological status.

Field identification & locations

Common in iron-rich chert deposits worldwide, including the United States, Mexico, India, Madagascar, and Australia. Test cautiously with a steel file or glass-scratch test; do not clean or alter a possible artifact before professional evaluation.