mineral

Jasper

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan, brown, ochre, or cream mottled; Luster: Dull to waxy when wet; Crystal Structure: Microcrystalline/Cryptocrystalline; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.91.

Hardness: 6
Color: Tan, brown, ochre, or cream mottled
Luster: Dull to waxy when wet

Identified May 9, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Usually forms from the precipitation of silica from groundwater or hydrothermal fluids in volcanic or sedimentary environments. It is an opaque variety of chalcedony.

Uses & applications

Used primarily for ornamental purposes, jewelry (cabochons, beads), and as a collector's specimen. Its durability makes it suitable for lapidary work.

Geological facts

Jasper is an impure variety of silica, usually containing up to 20% foreign materials which determine its color and opacity. It has been used since ancient times for seals and talismans.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (cannot be scratched by a steel knife), opaque nature, and smooth, often water-worn rounded surfaces if found in riverbeds. Common in many global locations including the USA, India, and Brazil.