sedimentary

Yellow Jasper

Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2)

Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, opaque yellow to mustard coloration, waxy luster, and conchoidal fracture.

Identified November 14, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, opaque yellow to mustard coloration, waxy luster, and conchoidal fracture.

Formed through the silification of sedimentary deposits or volcanic ash, occurring worldwide in ancient marine environments.

Used extensively in lapidary arts, ornamental carvings, jewelry, and as a popular collector specimen.

Jasper has been used since ancient times for talismans and seals due to its durability and rich opaque colors.

Identify in the field by its distinctive waxy luster, conchoidal fracture, and inability to be scratched by steel.

Fossil-bearing concretion, possibly containing a fossil shell or other organic inclusion

Calcareous concretion; exact fossil and host-rock composition are not identifiable from the image

Sandstone or Siltstone

Arenite (if sandstone)

Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock

Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint

Shale

Fissile Sedimentary Rock

Sandstone

Arenite

Shale

Clastic sedimentary rock