sedimentary
Yellow Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron oxide impurities
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale), Color: Mustard yellow to golden brown, Luster: Vitreous to waxy, Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal) microcrystalline, Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture, Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.91
- Hardness
- 6
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Yellow Jasper in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale), Color: Mustard yellow to golden brown, Luster: Vitreous to waxy, Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal) microcrystalline, Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture, Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.91
Formation & geological history
Formed from silica-rich fluids depositing in volcanic ash or sedimentary beds. The yellow color is caused by the inclusion of iron oxides (goethite/limonite).
Uses & applications
Primarily used for lapidary work, jewelry (beads, cabochons), carvings, and as a popular stone for chakra healing and crystal collecting.
Geological facts
Yellow Jasper was historically revered as a protective stone that provided spiritual and physical protection during travel. It is a dense, opaque variety of chalcedony.
Field identification & locations
Look for a smooth, matte to waxy surface that cannot be scratched by a steel knife. It is commonly found in riverbeds or as nodules in volcanic regions such as those in India, Madagascar, and the USA.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sedimentary Sandstone
Arenite (Sedimentary Rock)
sedimentary
Fossiliferous Concretion
Septarian Concretion containing Brachiopods/Crinoids
fossil
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Brown Sandstone (River Rock)
Arenite
sedimentary
Shale
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
sedimentary