sedimentary
Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide with Iron Oxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6.5-7 Mohs; Color: Rusty red, brick red to terracotta; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (Microcrystalline); Cleavage: None; Conchoidal fracture.
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Rusty red, brick red to terracotta
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
Identified More sedimentary →
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 Mohs; Color: Rusty red, brick red to terracotta; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (Microcrystalline); Cleavage: None; Conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Formed when silica-rich fluids permeate through volcanic or sedimentary deposits, and the iron inclusion provides the red pigment. Often found in hydrothermal veins or as nodules in volcanic rocks.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in jewelry as cabochons, beads, and carved figurines; historically used for seals, amulets, and stone tools.
Geological facts
Red Jasper was known as the 'rain-bringer' in Native American traditions and was believed in ancient Egypt to be the fertilizing blood of Mother Isis.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its deep red color, extreme hardness (it will scratch glass), and its completely opaque nature even when held to light. Common in river beds and desert plains.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary
Quartz pebble
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary