mineral

Yellow Jasper

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Iron Oxide inclusions

Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs scale. Color: Mustard yellow, golden brown, or yellowish-tan. Luster: Waxy to vitreous. Crystal Structure: Microcrystalline aggregate (trigonal). Cleavage: None, exhibits conchoidal fracture. Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.91.

Hardness: 6
Color: Mustard yellow, golden brown, or yellowish-tan
Luster: Waxy to vitreous

Identified July 28, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when fine microcrystalline silica precipitates in sedimentary environments or hydrothermal veins, incorporating iron hydrates (like limonite or goethite) that impart the yellow coloration.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as lapidary material for cabochons, beads, decorative carvings, tumbling, and gemstone jewelry. Also popular among mineral collectors.

Geological facts

Yellow jasper owes its distinctive golden hues to iron oxides dispersed evenly throughout the quartz matrix. Highly smooth pebbles like this one are naturally tumbled by stream or ocean wave action over long periods.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its waxy luster, hardness (scratches glass, unaffected by steel knife), opaque yellowish color, and smooth river-worn pebble texture. Commonly found in gravel bars, beaches, and alluvial riverbeds worldwide.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Soil with Mineral Detritus and Quartz Fragments

Regolith / Silicate Mineral Aggregate

sedimentary

Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)

FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)

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Schist

Metamorphic

Septarian Pebble

Septarian nodule / Concretion

sedimentary

Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)

Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)

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