sedimentary
Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions
Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs. Color: Deep red to brownish-red. Luster: Vitreous to waxy. Crystal structure: Cryptocrystalline. Cleavage: None. Specific gravity: 2.58-2.91.
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Deep red to brownish-red
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs. Color: Deep red to brownish-red. Luster: Vitreous to waxy. Crystal structure: Cryptocrystalline. Cleavage: None. Specific gravity: 2.58-2.91.
Formation & geological history
Jasper is an opaque variety of chalcedony formed from silica-rich fluids depositing in cracks or cavities within volcanic or sedimentary rocks. The red color is caused by the presence of iron oxide (hematite).
Uses & applications
Used extensively in jewelry, lapidary arts for cabochons and beads, and as decorative stones in landscaping or collection.
Geological facts
Red jasper has been used since antiquity for seals and amulets. It is often referred to as a stone of endurance and was highly valued in ancient Babylonian and Egyptian cultures.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its opacity (even on thin edges), smooth conchoidal fracture, and inability to be scratched by a steel knife. It is common in the Chihuahuan desert region and Franklin Mountains near El Paso, TX (31.7°N, 106.4°W).
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