sedimentary

Red Jasper

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite impurities

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale), Color: Rich brick-red to terracotta, Luster: Dull to waxy, Crystal Structure: Microcrystalline (Trigonal), Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.91

Hardness: 6

Identified March 24, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the infiltration of silica in sedimentary or volcanic rock environments where iron oxide (Hematite) provides the red pigmentation. It often occurs as nodules or in veins and can date back hundreds of millions of years.

Uses & applications

Primarily used for lapidary work, jewelry (cabochons, beads), decorative carvings, and as a popular 'pocket stone' for mineral collectors and practitioners of holistic healing.

Geological facts

Red Jasper has been used since antiquity; it was known as the 'rain-bringer' in Native American cultures and was featured in the breastplate of the Jewish High Priest in biblical times.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its opaque red color and smooth, water-worn texture if found in riverbeds. It is common in areas with significant volcanic and sedimentary history such as the USA, Brazil, and India. Collectors should look for its inability to be scratched by a steel knife.