mineral
Red Jasper
SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide with Hematite inclusions)
Hardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Opaque reddish-brown to bright red. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline quartz). Cleavage: None, exhibits conchoidal fracture. Specific Gravity: ~2.6-2.7.
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Opaque reddish-brown to bright red
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
Identified More mineral →
Explore Red Jasper in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Opaque reddish-brown to bright red. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline quartz). Cleavage: None, exhibits conchoidal fracture. Specific Gravity: ~2.6-2.7.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the accumulation of fine-grained silica in hydrothermal veins or sedimentary deposits, with red coloration originating from iron oxide (hematite) inclusions.
Uses & applications
Widely used in lapidary arts, jewelry, decorative carvings, tumbling, and as a popular gemstone for rock collections.
Geological facts
Red jasper has been used since antiquity in amulets and seal stones. It was associated with protection, strength, and vitality across ancient cultures including Egypt and Greece.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive opaque red color, hardness that scratches glass, smooth waxy/vitreous surface, and lack of cleavage. Commonly found in riverbeds, alluvial deposits, and regions with high silica hydrothermal activity worldwide.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock