mineral
Red jasper
Jasper, an opaque microcrystalline variety of quartz (SiO₂), colored red by iron oxides
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectOpaque brick-red with dark and pale veins; typically Mohs 6.5–7, vitreous to dull luster, cryptocrystalline quartz structure, and no distinct cleavage. The image is consistent with rough jasper, though appearance alone cannot confirm the exact material.
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Physical properties
Opaque brick-red with dark and pale veins; typically Mohs 6.5–7, vitreous to dull luster, cryptocrystalline quartz structure, and no distinct cleavage. The image is consistent with rough jasper, though appearance alone cannot confirm the exact material.
Formation & geological history
Forms when silica-rich fluids or sediments become cemented and iron oxides impart color; deposits occur in many geological ages and settings.
Uses & applications
Used for beads, cabochons, carvings, ornaments, and polished decorative stone; too small a fragment for typical construction use.
Geological facts
Jasper is a trade name for patterned, opaque chalcedony-rich material rather than a single precisely defined mineral species.
Field identification & locations
Look for dense, opaque red material with iron-stained patterns and conchoidal or uneven fracture; common sources include India, Brazil, Madagascar, and the western United States. Similar red rocks can be distinguished only with closer inspection or testing.
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