mineral

Tumbled brecciated jasper

Microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), commonly with iron oxides and contrasting breccia fragments

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mohs hardness 6.5–7; opaque, polished vitreous-to-waxy luster, with reddish-orange, brown, gray, black, and cream patches. Quartz has trigonal crystal structure but is cryptocrystalline; cleavage is absent and fracture is conchoidal.

Identified August 19, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich fluids cement and replace fractured volcanic or sedimentary rock, with iron oxides producing red and orange colors; individual deposits may range from Paleozoic to Cenozoic. This specimen has been cut and tumbled.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, bookends, and decorative objects; durable but generally a modest-value gemstone material.

Geological facts

Brecciated jasper is named for its angular, fragmental appearance sealed by silica. The dark areas may represent manganese or iron-rich minerals, while pale zones are chalcedony or quartz.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its opaque multicolored angular pattern, strong polish, lack of cleavage, and inability to scratch it with a steel knife; glassy look-alikes are usually more translucent. Common sources include Madagascar, India, Brazil, Mexico, and the western United States.