metamorphic

Tiger’s-eye-rich breccia or jasper

Quartz-rich silicified rock, likely containing iron oxides (SiO₂ with Fe oxides/hydroxides)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mustard-yellow to brown, gray metallic-looking patches, opaque, vitreous to waxy luster, and irregular brecciated texture; quartz is Mohs 7, while softer iron-oxide matrix may scratch more easily. No reliable crystal cleavage is visible; apparent metallic areas may be hematite, magnetite, or reflective quartz veins.

Identified September 6, 2026More metamorphic →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Probably formed by silica-rich hydrothermal alteration and cementation of fractured rock, with iron oxidation producing the yellow-brown color; the exact geological age and locality cannot be determined from the photograph. It may also be a jasperized or weathered iron-rich aggregate.

Uses & applications

Used mainly as a lapidary, carving, or display material; attractive pieces may be polished for cabochons or ornamental objects, but this specimen appears more suitable for collecting than jewelry.

Geological facts

Yellow coloration commonly reflects goethite or limonite, while gray metallic zones may indicate hematite or magnetite. A strong magnet test can help distinguish magnetite-bearing material from nonmagnetic hematite/goethite.

Field identification & locations

Commonly encountered in iron-rich hydrothermal, volcanic, and weathering environments, including areas producing jasper and tiger’s eye. Test streak, magnetism, hardness, and a fresh polished surface; visual identification alone is uncertain.