mineral
Red jasper (tumbled)
Jasper, microcrystalline quartz/chalcedony (SiO₂) colored mainly by iron oxides
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectOpaque brick-red to orange, polished with a vitreous-to-waxy luster; hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs, no visible cleavage, cryptocrystalline structure, and specific gravity around 2.5–2.7. The specimen appears artificially tumbled and polished.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Red jasper (tumbled) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Opaque brick-red to orange, polished with a vitreous-to-waxy luster; hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs, no visible cleavage, cryptocrystalline structure, and specific gravity around 2.5–2.7. The specimen appears artificially tumbled and polished.
Formation & geological history
Forms when silica-rich fluids cement or replace sediments and volcanic material, with iron oxides producing the red color. Deposits occur in many ages, commonly in Precambrian volcanic-sedimentary terrains.
Uses & applications
Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, lapidary objects, ornaments, and inexpensive metaphysical products; rarely used as a decorative building stone.
Geological facts
Jasper is a variety of opaque chalcedony rather than a single strictly defined mineral species. Red coloration is typically caused by hematite or other finely dispersed iron oxides.
Field identification & locations
Identify it by its opaque red body color, fine texture, lack of cleavage, and resistance to scratching; it should not be scratched by a steel knife easily. Common sources include India, Brazil, Madagascar, South Africa, Australia, and the United States.
