sedimentary

Yellow Jasper

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron oxide inclusions

Hardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Mustard yellow, tan, and brown mottling. Luster: Vitreous to waxy (smooth/polished). Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline/cryptocrystalline). Opaque transparency.

Hardness: 6
Color: Mustard yellow, tan, and brown mottling
Luster: Vitreous to waxy (smooth/polished)

Identified July 6, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed primarily from the deposition of silica from volcanic ash or water in sedimentary environments. Its yellow color comes from high iron hydroxide content (goethite). It can be millions of years old, often found in various geological strata.

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry, decorative items, tumbled stones, lapidary art, and historically for tools due to its conchoidal fracture.

Geological facts

Yellow Jasper was historically considered a stone of protection and discernment. It belongs to the chalcedony family, differentiated by its opacity and high mineral inclusion content.

Field identification & locations

Check for its characteristic opacity (will not let light through even at thin edges) and hardness; it cannot be scratched by a steel knife. Common in diverse riverbeds and arid regions globally.

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Sandstone or Siltstone

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Cone-in-cone structure (Limestone)

Cone-in-cone structure (Secondary Sedimentary Structure)

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Sandstone Grain

Clastic Sedimentary Rock Grain (SiO2 dominated)

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Chert Breccia

Brecciated Chert (Microcrystalline Silica)

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Shale or Slaty Mudstone

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Sandstone

Arenite (primarily SiO2)

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