mineral

Red Jasper

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) mixture

Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs; Color: Brick red to brownish red due to iron inclusions; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal (Microcrystalline); Cleavage: None; Opaque.

Hardness: 6
Color: Brick red to brownish red due to iron inclusions
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified June 28, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs; Color: Brick red to brownish red due to iron inclusions; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal (Microcrystalline); Cleavage: None; Opaque.

Formation & geological history

Formed primarily in sedimentary environments via the deposition of silica from volcanic ash or water, often colored by iron oxides during hydrothermal processes or metamorphosed within iron-rich deposits.

Uses & applications

Used extensively in jewelry as beads and cabochons, for decorative carvings, as an ornamental stone in construction, and held in high regard by rock collectors for its unique banding and patterns.

Geological facts

Red jasper has been used since antiquity; it was known as the 'mother of all stones' in some cultures and was used by ancient Egyptians and Minoans for amulets, seals, and talismans.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its brick-red color, extreme hardness (it will scratch glass), and smooth, waxy surface when river-worn. Common in stream beds and coastal regions where silica-rich rocks have eroded.