mineral

Tumbled red-and-cream jasper

Microcrystalline quartz (chalcedony), SiO₂, colored by iron oxides

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; opaque cream, brick-red, and brown coloration with a dull to waxy luster. It has cryptocrystalline quartz structure, no visible cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and typical specific gravity near 2.6.

Identified September 21, 2026More mineral →

Explore Tumbled red-and-cream jasper in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Jasper forms when silica-rich groundwater replaces or cements volcanic ash, sediments, or breccia, with iron oxides producing the red tones; its exact geological age depends on the source deposit. This piece appears naturally rounded or tumbled and polished.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, ornaments, lapidary specimens, and decorative stone; it is not generally used as a major construction aggregate.

Geological facts

The red color commonly comes from hematite or limonite inclusions, while cream areas are silica-rich chalcedony. Jasper is a variety of opaque chalcedony rather than a single mineral species.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its opaque appearance, red iron staining, waxy surface, and ability to scratch ordinary glass; it should not show large quartz crystals. Common sources include India, Madagascar, Brazil, Mexico, and the western United States.