sedimentary
Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron oxide impurities
Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, predominantly red to reddish-brown color with occasional yellowish banding or veins, waxy to vitreous luster when polished, microcrystalline quartz structure with no visible cleavage, and a specific gravity around 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, predominantly red to reddish-brown color with occasional yellowish banding or veins, waxy to vitreous luster when polished, microcrystalline quartz structure with no visible cleavage, and a specific gravity around 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms primarily through the precipitation of silica-rich fluids in marine environments or hydrothermal settings, often replacing existing carbonate rocks or sediments, dating back across various geological eras.
Uses & applications
Widely used in tumbled stones, cabochons, ornamental carvings, jewelry, and as a popular specimen for mineral collectors.
Geological facts
Jasper has been used since ancient times for amulets, seals, and tools, highly prized by the ancient Egyptians and Greeks for its protective and grounding symbolism.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its rich red opaque color, lack of cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. Commonly found worldwide, including in India, Brazil, Russia, and the western United States.
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