sedimentary

Red Jasper

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions

Hardness: 6.5–7 on Mohs scale; Color: Red (due to iron inclusions), often with mottling or streaks; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when polished); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (cryptocrystalline); Specific Gravity: 2.58–2.91.

Hardness: 6
Color: Red (due to iron inclusions), often with mottling or streaks
Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when polished)

Identified July 1, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed primarily in sedimentary environments via the deposition of silica-rich fluids that permeate volcanic ash or clay, often associated with oxygenation events that turned iron into red hematite.

Uses & applications

Commonly used in jewelry (beads, cabochons), lapidary arts, ornamental carvings, and as a popular stone for tumbling and collecting.

Geological facts

Red Jasper is known as a stone of endurance and has been used since antiquity; it was mentioned in various ancient texts and used in the making of cylinder seals in Mesopotamia.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its deep red color, opacity (unlike translucent carnelian), and its inability to be scratched by a steel knife. It is found globally, with major deposits in India, Brazil, and the USA.

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