mineral

Tumbled jasper, likely picture jasper or brecciated jasper

Microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), chiefly chalcedony with iron-oxide pigments

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; opaque reddish-brown with muted cream/orange patterns and a smooth vitreous-to-waxy polish. Massive, cryptocrystalline, with no visible cleavage and specific gravity around 2.5–2.7.

Identified August 12, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Jasper forms when silica-rich fluids replace or cement volcanic ash, sediments, or fragmented rock, with iron oxides producing the red-brown color. Its exact geological age depends on its deposit; the pictured piece is human-tumbled and polished.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, decorative objects, and lapidary collections; it has little industrial value.

Geological facts

Jasper is a variety of opaque chalcedony and is often grouped commercially by pattern or locality rather than by strict mineral species.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its opaque appearance, earthy iron staining, fine-grained texture, lack of cleavage, and resistance to scratching; it should not be scratched by a steel knife. Common sources include the western United States, Madagascar, Brazil, Australia, and India.