sedimentary
Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with impure Iron oxides
Hardness: 6.5-7.0 (Mohs scale); Color: Red, orangish-red to brownish-red; Luster: Dull to sub-vitreous; Crystal Structure: Microcrystalline Trigonal; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.91
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Red, orangish-red to brownish-red
- Luster
- Dull to sub-vitreous
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: 6.5-7.0 (Mohs scale); Color: Red, orangish-red to brownish-red; Luster: Dull to sub-vitreous; Crystal Structure: Microcrystalline Trigonal; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.91
Formation & geological history
Jasper is an opaque variety of chalcedony formed through the deposition of silica in fluid-rich environments, often occurring in volcanic or sedimentary beds. The red color is derived from iron inclusions during the mineralization process over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Commonly used as a gemstone for jewelry (cabochons, beads), decorative carvings, lapidary arts, and as a popular specimen for crystal collectors.
Geological facts
Red Jasper has been used since ancient times for amulets and seals. It was highly valued in Babylonian, Egyptian, and Native American cultures as a stone of protection and endurance.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its non-transparent (opaque) body, heavy feel, and conchoidal fracture pattern. It can be found globally in riverbeds, deserts, and volcanic regions. Collectors look for uniform color or unique patterns without excessive cracking.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Cone-in-cone structure (Limestone)
Cone-in-cone structure (Secondary Sedimentary Structure)
sedimentary
Chert Breccia
Brecciated Chert (Microcrystalline Silica)
sedimentary
Sandstone Grain
Clastic Sedimentary Rock Grain (SiO2 dominated)
sedimentary
Shale or Slaty Mudstone
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (primarily SiO2)
sedimentary