sedimentary

Tumbled leopard-skin jasper

Orbicular jasper, a silica-rich variety of microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Polished, opaque stones with brown, gray, cream, and greenish orbicular spots. Quartz hardness is about 6.5–7 Mohs; vitreous to waxy luster, with no visible cleavage and a fine-grained structure.

Identified October 9, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Polished, opaque stones with brown, gray, cream, and greenish orbicular spots. Quartz hardness is about 6.5–7 Mohs; vitreous to waxy luster, with no visible cleavage and a fine-grained structure.

Formation & geological history

Silica-rich sediment or volcanic material became silicified, with contrasting mineral-rich zones producing the rounded patterns. Its precise age and locality cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, jewelry, ornaments, and lapidary collecting.

Geological facts

“Leopard-skin jasper” is a commercial name for spotted orbicular material; the name does not establish a specific geological origin.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its opaque, mottled surface with distinctive rounded spots and its smooth polish. Similar material is sold from several localities, including Mexico; locality needs confirmation from the seller.