sedimentary (chemical/biological)

Jasper with Pyrite (Gold-colored inclusions)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Iron Disulfide (FeS2) inclusions

Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs/Jasper) and 6-6.5 (Pyrite). Color: Reddish-brown or 'Liver-colored' with metallic gold flecks. Luster: Dull to waxy for the stone, metallic for the inclusions. Crystal structure: Cryptocrystalline. Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: 2.5-2.9.

Hardness: 6
Color: Reddish-brown or 'Liver-colored' with metallic gold flecks
Luster: Dull to waxy for the stone, metallic for the inclusions

Identified March 25, 2026More sedimentary (chemical/biological) →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the deposition of silica from water-rich environments, often near volcanic ash or hydrothermal vents. The pyrite inclusions form when iron and sulfur under anaerobic conditions crystallize within the silica matrix. This process can occur over various geological ages from the Precambrian to more recent eras.

Uses & applications

Primary use is lapidary: jewelry (cabochons), carvings, and ornamental household items. It is also a popular stone for mineral collectors and metaphysical practitioners who value it as a 'balancing' stone.

Geological facts

Jasper is often called the 'Supreme Nurturer.' When it contains significant amounts of pyrite, it is sometimes nicknamed 'Gringo Gold' or 'Healer's Gold' in the trade. Despite the gold color, it contains no actual gold; it is the presence of iron sulfur that creates the metallic glint.

Field identification & locations

Field identification: Jasper will not be scratched by a steel knife and has a smooth, waxy feel when tumbled. Common locations include riverbeds and volcanic regions in the Western US (Oregon, Idaho), Australia, and Brazil. Collectors should look for the characteristic conchoidal fracture patterns.

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