mineral

Tumbled red jasper

Jasper, an opaque microcrystalline variety of quartz (SiO₂), commonly colored by iron oxides

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically Mohs hardness 6.5–7, opaque red to reddish-brown with black, gray, or green inclusions, and a dull to vitreous luster. It has a cryptocrystalline quartz structure, no visible cleavage, and specific gravity near 2.6–2.7.

Identified August 19, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich fluids cement or replace sediments and volcanic material, with iron producing the red coloration; deposits range from Precambrian to Cenozoic. This specimen has been rounded and polished by tumbling.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, tumbled stones, ornaments, and decorative inlay; historically used for tools and seals.

Geological facts

Jasper is a rock rather than a single pure mineral, and its patterns reflect impurities and replacement textures. Red varieties are often marketed as “red jasper” or “poppy jasper,” though trade names may be imprecise.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its opaque body, red-brown iron staining, fine texture, lack of cleavage, and ability to scratch glass; common sources include India, Brazil, Madagascar, Australia, and the western United States. The rounded surface indicates lapidary processing.