mineral

Red jasper (likely brecciated jasper)

Microcrystalline quartz/chalcedony (SiO₂) colored by iron oxides, with white quartz or calcite veining

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque brick-red, gray-white matrix and veins, earthy to waxy luster, conchoidal fracture, no visible cleavage; Mohs hardness about 6.5–7, specific gravity approximately 2.55–2.70. The rounded shape appears tumbled or naturally water-worn.

Identified September 13, 2026More mineral →

Explore Red jasper (likely brecciated jasper) 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

Forms when silica-rich fluids replace or cement volcanic and sedimentary material, with iron producing the red color; brecciation and later vein filling create the mottled pattern. Deposits range from Precambrian to younger volcanic environments.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, lapidary pieces, and ornamental objects; occasionally used as a decorative stone in architecture.

Geological facts

Jasper is a variety of opaque chalcedony rather than a single mineral species. Red coloration typically reflects hematite or other iron-oxide inclusions.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its opaque red body, hardness, lack of cleavage, and resistance to scratching by a steel blade; acid testing and a streak test can help distinguish calcite-rich lookalikes. Common sources include India, Madagascar, Brazil, Australia, and the western United States.