Gemstone profile and identification guide
Green Jasper
Green jasper is an opaque green chalcedony/jasper variety used in lapidary and ornamental work.
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Overview
Green jasper is an opaque green chalcedony/jasper variety used in lapidary and ornamental work.
Did you know? Jasper trade categories often reflect color and pattern more than strict mineral-species boundaries.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Green Jasper
Scientific classification: Silicate (Jasper Variety, Opaque Chalcedony)
Hardness: 6.75 Mohs
Transparency: opaque
Lustre: waxy
Crystal system: Trigonal (microcrystalline aggregate)
Primary colour: Green
Secondary colour: Dark Green
Colour family: Greens
Opaque green body color and jasper-like microcrystalline texture are key identifiers.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Trade-name entries include treatment/composition disclosures where applicable.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: hard
Hardness value: 6.75 Mohs
Chemical composition: Silicon dioxide (SiO2) with iron/chlorite and other inclusions
Crystal system: Trigonal (microcrystalline aggregate)
Common locations: India, South Africa, Brazil, Russia, United States
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Opaque green jasper in shades from olive to deep green.
Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Quartz (jasper variety)
Mineral group: Quartz group
Chemical formula: Silicon dioxide (SiO2) with iron/chlorite and other inclusions
Mohs hardness: 6.75
Crystal system: Trigonal (microcrystalline aggregate)
Lustre: waxy
Transparency: opaque
Streak: White
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven
Specific gravity: 2.58-2.64
Refractive index: 1.53-1.54
Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic
Colour range: Light to dark green, olive tones
Common inclusions: Iron/chlorite pigments, matrix streaks
Geological environment: Silica-rich replacement and sedimentary/volcanic chalcedony systems
Principal mining regions: India, South Africa, Brazil, Russia, United States
Important commercial sources: Commercial green jasper is sourced from multiple global jasper localities
Historical significance: Long-used ornamental stone in carving traditions.
Common treatments: Dyeing can occur in lower-grade products.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Dyed composites and glass imitations are common.
Common look-alikes: Serpentine, dyed agate, aventurine
Jewellery uses: Green Jasper is used chiefly for Patterned or plain opaque green cabochons and carving stock.. In the trade it is commonly fashioned as cabochons, beads, carvings, and polished ornamental pieces, with Mohs hardness 6.75 guiding suitable jewellery applications.
Care recommendations: Good durability for jewellery and carvings; avoid strong impact on thin pieces.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Green Jasper.
Formation
Forms by silica replacement and deposition with iron/chlorite-rich colour components.
Origin
Commercial green jasper is sourced from multiple global jasper localities
Uses
Best for: Green Jasper is used chiefly for Patterned or plain opaque green cabochons and carving stock.. In the trade it is commonly fashioned as cabochons, beads, carvings, and polished ornamental pieces, with Mohs hardness 6.75 guiding suitable jewellery applications.
Ideal uses: Patterned or plain opaque green cabochons and carving stock.
Care
Good durability for jewellery and carvings; avoid strong impact on thin pieces.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Gemstones from the same mineral family
Commonly confused gemstones
Green Jasper FAQ
How can I identify Green Jasper?
Compare hardness (6.75 Mohs), crystal system (Trigonal (microcrystalline aggregate)), colour profile, and lustre (waxy) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Green Jasper appear in?
Opaque green jasper in shades from olive to deep green.
Where is Green Jasper commonly used?
Patterned or plain opaque green cabochons and carving stock.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 05 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 05 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 05 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 05 factual verification pass.