mineral

Tumbled ocean jasper or orbicular jasper

Microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), commonly with chalcedony, feldspar, and iron-oxide inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Identified August 8, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Gray-green to cream, rounded and polished, with diffuse orbicular/cloudy patterns and a vitreous-to-waxy luster. Quartz hardness is about 6.5–7 Mohs; no cleavage, cryptocrystalline structure, and specific gravity near 2.6. The image is not diagnostic enough to distinguish jasper from similar tumbled chalcedony or altered volcanic rock.

Formation & geological history

Jasper forms when silica-rich fluids replace or cement volcanic or sedimentary material, often with iron and other mineral inclusions; orbicular varieties develop concentric mineral growth patterns. Formation ages vary widely, commonly Paleozoic to Cenozoic depending on locality.

Uses & applications

Used as tumbled stone, cabochons, carvings, beads, and decorative objects; generally unsuitable for major construction because it occurs in small pieces.

Geological facts

A glassy scratch on the surface should be possible with quartz, but steel usually will not scratch it. Stronger circular “orb” patterns would support orbicular jasper identification.

Field identification & locations

Common sources include Madagascar, Oregon, Indonesia, Mexico, and Australia. Field clues are uniform hardness, waxy/vitreous polish, opaque-to-translucent silica, and resistance to dilute acid.