mineral

Tumbled jasper or iron-rich chert (uncertain)

Microcrystalline quartz, SiO₂, with iron-oxide inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small polished/tumbled, orange-beige specimen with dark red-brown speckles and a dull-to-waxy luster. Likely hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs, noncleavable, with conchoidal fracture; exact identification is limited by the photograph.

Identified September 7, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Jasper and chert form when silica-rich fluids replace or cement sediments, with iron oxides producing the orange coloration; formation ranges from Precambrian to younger geological ages. Common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, India, and the western United States.

Uses & applications

Used for inexpensive cabochons, beads, carvings, tumbling, and ornamental objects; it has little industrial value compared with bulk quartz.

Geological facts

The orange color generally reflects hematite or goethite inclusions. A glass-scratching test and examination of a fresh fracture can distinguish quartz-rich material from softer dyed stone.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its glassy-to-waxy surface, opaque body, speckled iron staining, and lack of cleavage; test hardness cautiously because polishing can obscure texture. Likely value is $1–$10 as a small common tumbled specimen, potentially higher for distinctive patterns.