mineral

Red jasper (possible polished jasper pebble)

Jasper, an opaque variety of microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small, smooth, polished reddish-brown pebble with a dull-to-waxy luster. Quartz hardness is 7 Mohs; jasper has no visible cleavage and a fine-grained, cryptocrystalline structure.

Identified September 29, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Small, smooth, polished reddish-brown pebble with a dull-to-waxy luster. Quartz hardness is 7 Mohs; jasper has no visible cleavage and a fine-grained, cryptocrystalline structure.

Formation & geological history

Jasper forms when silica-rich fluids fill or replace rock, with iron oxides providing red coloration. Deposits occur in rocks of many ages; the image cannot establish this pebble’s source or age.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, carvings, and decorative objects; common polished pebbles are mainly collected as curiosities.

Geological facts

Jasper is a trade and field term for opaque, silica-rich material, not a single uniquely defined mineral species.

Field identification & locations

Its opaque color, smooth polish, and fine texture are consistent with jasper, but the photo is not sufficient to confirm the identification. Jasper is found worldwide, including in the United States, Australia, and India.