mineralological specimen
Red Jasper
Quartz (Silicon Dioxide) with Iron Oxide impurities (Fe2O3)
Hardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Terracotta red to brick red; Luster: Vitreous to dull when unpolished; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (Trigonal), Microcrystalline; Cleavage: None, conchoidal fracture
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Terracotta red to brick red
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull when unpolished
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Terracotta red to brick red; Luster: Vitreous to dull when unpolished; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (Trigonal), Microcrystalline; Cleavage: None, conchoidal fracture
Formation & geological history
Formed primarily in hydrothermal veins or as a sedimentary replacement in silica-rich environments. The red color comes from the inclusion of iron oxide during its formation, often dating back to the Precambrian or Paleozoic eras.
Uses & applications
Widely used for lapidary work, jewelry (cabochons, beads), decorative carvings, and as a popular pocket stone for collectors.
Geological facts
Known as the 'Stone of Endurance,' jasper has been used since antiquity for seals and amulets. It is an opaque variety of chalcedony that can contain up to 20 percent foreign materials.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its deep red color, opacity (light does not pass through even thin edges), and its ability to scratch glass. Commonly found in riverbeds, beaches, and desert regions worldwide, notably in India, Brazil, and the USA.
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This image does not display a rock, mineral, or geological specimen. It shows a human hand wearing a ring.
Not a geological specimen
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