sedimentary
Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide with iron impurities (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, opaque red to brownish-red color, vitreous to dull luster, and microcrystalline quartz structure with conchoidal fracture.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, opaque red to brownish-red color, vitreous to dull luster, and microcrystalline quartz structure with conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the precipitation of silica-rich solutions in marine environments or hydrothermal veins, often associated with ancient banded iron formations.
Uses & applications
Widely used for ornamental carvings, polished cabochons in jewelry, and as a popular specimen for mineral collectors.
Geological facts
Red jasper has been used since antiquity by ancient civilizations for seals, talismans, and ritual weapons due to its striking appearance.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its opaque red color and hard, smooth conchoidal breakage; commonly found globally in riverbeds, sedimentary deposits, and volcanic regions.
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