metamorphic
Tumbled orange jasper or iron-stained quartzite
Jasper: microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂) with iron oxides; possible quartzite
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectOpaque orange-brown, waxy to dull luster, very fine-grained and rounded from tumbling; hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs, no visible cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and specific gravity around 2.6–2.7. The image alone cannot distinguish jasper from similarly colored quartzite or chalcedony.
Identified More metamorphic →
Explore Tumbled orange jasper or iron-stained quartzite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Opaque orange-brown, waxy to dull luster, very fine-grained and rounded from tumbling; hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs, no visible cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and specific gravity around 2.6–2.7. The image alone cannot distinguish jasper from similarly colored quartzite or chalcedony.
Formation & geological history
Jasper forms when silica-rich fluids cement or replace sediments, with iron oxides producing the orange-red color; quartzite forms by metamorphism of sandstone. These materials commonly range from Precambrian to younger ages.
Uses & applications
Used as lapidary material for cabochons, carvings, beads, and decorative stones; occasionally used as aggregate. A small tumbled piece generally has modest collector value.
Geological facts
Orange coloration typically reflects hematite or goethite. A glassy streak or translucent edge would favor chalcedony, while visible quartz grains would favor quartzite.
Field identification & locations
Common localities include India, Madagascar, Brazil, Australia, and the western United States. Test cautiously with a steel file or glass: it should scratch glass and resist a steel knife; a reddish-brown streak suggests iron-rich jasper.
More like this
