mineral

Tumbled jasper, likely ocean or brecciated jasper

Microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂) with iron-oxide and other mineral impurities

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque, mottled orange, tan, green, and brown stones with a dull to waxy luster; quartz hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs, no visible cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. The colors reflect iron oxides and altered silicate minerals.

Identified August 23, 2026More mineral →

Explore Tumbled jasper, likely ocean or brecciated jasper in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Jasper forms when silica-rich groundwater replaces or fills cavities in volcanic or sedimentary rocks, commonly with iron-rich staining; individual pieces may be millions to billions of years old. These specimens have been cut or naturally rounded and polished by tumbling.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, decorative stone, and inexpensive collector specimens; occasionally used as lapidary rough. It is not generally used as a major construction stone.

Geological facts

The varied patterns are diagnostic of jasper rather than crystalline quartz. Green areas may reflect chlorite, epidote, or other alteration minerals, while red-orange tones commonly indicate hematite or goethite.

Field identification & locations

Identify by opacity, fine-grained texture, hardness, and resistance to scratching by steel; it should not fizz in dilute acid. Common sources include Oregon, Madagascar, India, Brazil, Australia, and the western United States.