Tumbled red jasper

Opaque reddish-pink with gray veining, earthy-to-waxy luster, and no visible crystals; Mohs hardness about 6.5–7, conchoidal fracture, and specific gravity around 2.6.

Jasper forms when silica-rich groundwater replaces or fills cavities in volcanic or sedimentary rocks, incorporating iron oxides; deposits range from Precambrian to younger ages. This specimen has been cut or naturally rounded and polished.

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, ornamental stone, and decorative objects; durable pieces may be used in small architectural or lapidary applications.

Its red color commonly comes from hematite or related iron minerals. “Jasper” is a broad lapidary name for opaque, impurity-rich varieties of microcrystalline quartz.

Identify it by its opaque red coloration, fine-grained texture, lack of cleavage, and ability to scratch glass; a streak test is usually pale or colorless. Common sources include India, Madagascar, Brazil, Australia, Mexico, and the western United States.