gemstone

Tumbled jasper

Iron-rich microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), commonly brecciated or accompanied by hematite/goethite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically opaque, orange-brown to red with dark green-gray patches, earthy to vitreous luster, no visible crystals, and conchoidal fracture; hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs, specific gravity ~2.6. The smooth surface indicates human tumbling/polishing.

Identified September 2, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Jasper forms when silica-rich fluids replace or cement volcanic and sedimentary material, with iron oxides producing the red-orange coloration; formation ages vary widely, commonly Paleozoic to Precambrian. Exact locality cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, ornaments, and inexpensive collector specimens; rarely used as a minor decorative stone in construction.

Geological facts

Color zoning and dark iron-rich inclusions are characteristic of many commercial jasper varieties, but the material may be sold under trade names such as brecciated, ocean, or rainforest jasper.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its opacity, earthy iron staining, lack of cleavage, and resistance to scratching; quartz should not be scratched by a steel knife. Common sources include India, Madagascar, Brazil, Australia, Mexico, and the western United States.