Gemstone profile and identification guide
Jasper
Jasper is an opaque microcrystalline quartz aggregate with diverse colors and patterns.
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Overview
Jasper is an opaque microcrystalline quartz aggregate with diverse colors and patterns.
Did you know? Many named jaspers are trade pattern/locality descriptors rather than strict species distinctions.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Jasper
Scientific classification: Silicate (Jasper, Opaque Chalcedony Aggregate)
Hardness: 6.75 Mohs
Transparency: opaque
Lustre: waxy
Crystal system: Trigonal (microcrystalline aggregate)
Primary colour: Red
Secondary colour: Brown
Colour family: Reds
Opaque microcrystalline texture and broad pattern diversity are key jasper traits.
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 conservative composition/treatment disclosures where needed.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: hard
Hardness value: 6.75 Mohs
Chemical composition: Silicon dioxide (SiO2) with mineral impurities
Crystal system: Trigonal (microcrystalline aggregate)
Common locations: Global deposits including India, Brazil, Madagascar, Russia, United States
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Opaque chalcedony aggregate in many colors and patterns.
Optical effects: Patterning
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Quartz (jasper aggregate)
Mineral group: Quartz group
Chemical formula: Silicon dioxide (SiO2) with mineral impurities
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: Color/pattern effects
Colour range: Red, brown, green, yellow, multicolor patterns
Common inclusions: Iron oxides, clay/mineral streaking, matrix particles
Geological environment: Silica-rich sedimentary and volcanic replacement systems
Principal mining regions: Global deposits including India, Brazil, Madagascar, Russia, United States
Important commercial sources: Jasper is globally distributed; specific trade varieties are locality-dependent
Historical significance: One of the oldest ornamental stone families in lapidary history.
Common treatments: Dyeing and stabilization can occur.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Dyed composites and printed materials imitate patterns.
Common look-alikes: Chert, agate, dyed stones
Jewellery uses: Jasper is used chiefly for Pattern-focused lapidary and decorative jewellery.. 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: Generally durable for jewellery and carvings; avoid severe impacts on thin cuts.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Jasper.
Formation
Forms by silica deposition and replacement with inclusion-rich opaque texture.
Origin
Jasper is globally distributed; specific trade varieties are locality-dependent
Uses
Best for: Jasper is used chiefly for Pattern-focused lapidary and decorative jewellery.. 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: Pattern-focused lapidary and decorative jewelry.
Care
Generally durable for jewellery and carvings; avoid severe impacts on thin cuts.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Commonly confused gemstones
Jasper FAQ
How can I identify 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 Jasper appear in?
Opaque chalcedony aggregate in many colors and patterns.
Where is Jasper commonly used?
Pattern-focused lapidary and decorative jewelry.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 06 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 06 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 06 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 06 factual verification pass.