sedimentary

Tumbled brown jasper

Microcrystalline quartz/chalcedony (SiO₂), commonly iron-oxide stained

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque brown, smooth and polished with a waxy to glassy luster; hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs, cryptocrystalline structure, no visible cleavage, and specific gravity near 2.6. The dark horizontal band may represent manganese/iron-rich material or another chalcedony layer.

Identified August 9, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Jasper forms when silica-rich fluids replace or cement volcanic ash, sediments, or organic material, with iron oxides producing the brown color. Its exact geological age and locality cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Commonly sold as a low-cost tumbled stone, cabochon, bead, or decorative specimen; also used for carvings and lapidary work rather than major construction.

Geological facts

Jasper is a variety of opaque chalcedony and is often grouped commercially by color or pattern, such as picture, ocean, or landscape jasper.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its opacity, fine texture, lack of cleavage, hardness, and resistance to scratching by steel; quartz-rich jasper can scratch glass. Common sources include India, Madagascar, Brazil, the United States, and Australia.