sedimentary
Picture Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron oxide and clay impurities
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs); Color: Tan, brown, beige, and cream with landscape-like patterns; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal Structure: Microcrystalline/Cryptocrystalline (trigonal); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.91
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Tan, brown, beige, and cream with landscape-like patterns
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
Identified More sedimentary →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs); Color: Tan, brown, beige, and cream with landscape-like patterns; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal Structure: Microcrystalline/Cryptocrystalline (trigonal); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.91
Formation & geological history
Formed as a result of petrified mud or volcanic ash flows where high pressure and heat fused silica with various mineral impurities over millions of years, often during the Tertiary or Cretaceous periods.
Uses & applications
Primarily used for lapidary work, jewelry (cabochons), interior decoration, and as a popular collector's item due to its 'scenic' aesthetic.
Geological facts
Picture Jasper is famous for its unique dendritic and flow-like patterns that often resemble miniature desert landscapes, mountains, or forests, leading to its nickname 'The Mother Earth Rock'.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its waxy texture when broken, high hardness (cannot be scratched by a steel knife), and characteristic earthy color banding. Found globally, with notable deposits in Oregon, USA (Biggs Jasper).
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (primarily SiO2)
sedimentary
Chert Breccia
Brecciated Chert (Microcrystalline Silica)
sedimentary
Sandstone Grain
Clastic Sedimentary Rock Grain (SiO2 dominated)
sedimentary
Shale or Slaty Mudstone
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary