sedimentary

Red Jasper

Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2)

Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, opaque red to reddish-brown color due to iron oxide inclusions, vitreous to dull luster, cryptocrystalline crystal structure, conchoidal fracture with no cleavage, and a specific gravity of 2.58 to 2.91.

Identified August 3, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from silica-rich sediments or volcanic ash, often precipitated from hydrothermal solutions or marine environments, with the red color resulting from hematite or iron impurities. Geological age varies widely depending on the specific deposit.

Uses & applications

Widely used in ornamental carvings, polished tumbled stones, cabochons for jewelry, and as a decorative stone.

Geological facts

Red jasper has been used since ancient times by various civilizations, including the ancient Egyptians who carved amulets from it, and it is often associated with vitality and grounding in lapidary lore.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified in the field by its distinctive opaque red coloration, high hardness that scratches glass, and smooth conchoidal fracture. Commonly found in riverbeds, hydrothermal veins, and sedimentary deposits worldwide, especially in India, Brazil, Russia, and the USA.