Red Jasper

Hardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Opaque red, often with brown, black, or grey veins/spots due to impurities. Luster: Dull to vitreous, waxy. Crystal Structure: Trigonal, microcrystalline. Cleavage: None. Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.91.

Red Jasper is a microcrystalline variety of quartz, formed from the precipitation of silica-rich solutions or as a primary constituent of sediments. Its red color is due to high iron oxide (hematite) content. It often forms in volcanic environments, hydrothermal vents, or as petrified wood. Geological age varies widely depending on the deposit, from billions of years old to relatively recent formations.

Primarily used as an ornamental stone in jewelry (cabochons, beads, carvings), decorative objects, and sometimes as a facing stone in construction. It is also used in lapidary arts.

Jasper is one of the oldest known gemstones, used by ancient civilizations for tools, seals, and amulets. It is believed to have protective and grounding properties in various cultures. The name 'jasper' means 'spotted stone' and comes from the Old French 'jaspre', ultimately from the Greek 'iaspis'.

Red Jasper can be identified in the field by its distinct opaque red color, hardness (it will scratch glass), and its lack of cleavage. Its common presence as rounded pebbles or nodules can also be a clue. It is found worldwide, with notable deposits in India, Russia, Indonesia, Egypt, Australia, and the USA (Oregon, California, Idaho).