sedimentary
Red Jasper
Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, opaque red to brownish-red color, vitreous to dull luster, and trigonal crystal system with a conchoidal fracture.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, opaque red to brownish-red color, vitreous to dull luster, and trigonal crystal system with a conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Forms from the precipitation of silica-rich fluids in sedimentary environments or hydrothermal veins, often incorporating iron oxides that give it the distinct red color.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry making, ornamental carvings, polished tumbling stones, and as a decorative lapidary material.
Geological facts
Red jasper has been used since ancient times for talismans and seals, revered by various ancient civilizations including the Egyptians and Greeks.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its opaque red color and high hardness that scratches glass; commonly found worldwide in riverbeds, hydrothermal deposits, and sedimentary rock formations.
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