mineral

Tumbled yellow jasper

Microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), typically chalcedony with iron-oxide impurities

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque creamy yellow to ochre, waxy-to-glassy luster, no visible crystals, conchoidal fracture, and hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; specific gravity is approximately 2.6. Its rounded shape and polish indicate tumbling and finishing.

Identified August 26, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Jasper forms when silica-rich groundwater fills or replaces sediments, volcanic cavities, or altered rock, with iron oxides producing the yellow-brown coloration. Formation ages vary widely, commonly from Paleozoic to Cenozoic deposits.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, ornamental objects, and inexpensive lapidary specimens; it has little industrial use compared with ordinary quartz.

Geological facts

Jasper is a variety of opaque chalcedony rather than a single mineral species. Color and pattern depend chiefly on iron oxides and other trapped impurities.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its opacity, fine-grained texture, smooth conchoidal surfaces, and inability to scratch with a fingernail or steel knife; glass may be scratched by quartz. Common sources include India, Madagascar, Brazil, Australia, and the United States.