mineral

Tumbled brown chalcedony or jasper

Microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), likely iron-stained chalcedony/jasper

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque to slightly translucent brown-orange, with a dull to waxy luster and smooth worn surfaces; quartz hardness is about 6.5–7 Mohs, with no obvious cleavage. The visible shape appears naturally rounded or tumbled rather than crystalline.

Identified September 10, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich groundwater fills cavities or fractures, later colored brown-red by iron oxides; such material commonly formed in volcanic rocks during the Cenozoic or older geologic periods. Exact identification and age require testing and locality information.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, and decorative stone; ordinary pieces have modest lapidary value.

Geological facts

Jasper is opaque and silica-rich, whereas chalcedony is typically translucent; the specimen’s lighting and small size make the distinction uncertain.

Field identification & locations

Look for quartz-like hardness, absence of cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and resistance to scratching by steel; a streak test, translucency check, and microscope examination can distinguish it from dyed glass or brick. Common worldwide, especially in volcanic regions.