mineral
Tumbled jasper (likely ocean or picture jasper)
Microcrystalline quartz/chalcedony (SiO₂) with iron-oxide and other mineral impurities
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectOpaque, rounded and polished; earthy brown, reddish, olive, and yellow tones with a waxy-to-glassy luster. Mohs hardness 6.5–7; no cleavage; trigonal microcrystalline quartz structure; specific gravity about 2.55–2.70.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Tumbled jasper (likely ocean or picture jasper) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Opaque, rounded and polished; earthy brown, reddish, olive, and yellow tones with a waxy-to-glassy luster. Mohs hardness 6.5–7; no cleavage; trigonal microcrystalline quartz structure; specific gravity about 2.55–2.70.
Formation & geological history
Jasper forms when silica-rich fluids replace or cement volcanic, sedimentary, or hydrothermal material, with iron oxides producing the brown-red colors. The specimen has been human-tumbled and polished; its precise geological age cannot be determined from the image.
Uses & applications
Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, ornaments, and decorative stone; it has modest value unless patterns, locality, or polish are exceptional.
Geological facts
Jasper is an opaque variety of chalcedony and is commonly grouped with quartz despite its fine-grained texture. Color zoning and orbicular or landscape-like patterns are characteristic of named varieties.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its opacity, fine texture, earthy iron-rich colors, lack of visible crystal faces, and resistance to scratching by steel. Common sources include India, Madagascar, Brazil, Australia, Mexico, and the western United States.
