Gemstone profile and identification guide
Ocean Jasper
Ocean jasper is a trade name for orbicular patterned chalcedony/jasper material, chiefly from Madagascar.
Profile Navigation
Overview
Ocean jasper is a trade name for orbicular patterned chalcedony/jasper material, chiefly from Madagascar.
Did you know? Ocean jasper is a trade term rather than a strict mineralogical species name.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Ocean Jasper
Scientific classification: Silicate (Orbicular Chalcedony/Jasper Trade Name)
Hardness: 6.5 Mohs
Transparency: opaque
Lustre: waxy
Crystal system: Trigonal (microcrystalline aggregate)
Primary colour: Green
Secondary colour: White
Colour family: Greens
Distinct orbicular circles and multicolor matrix patterning are the primary 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.
Values are reported as practical gemological ranges where appropriate.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: hard
Hardness value: 6.5 Mohs
Chemical composition: Silicon dioxide (SiO2) with variable mineral inclusions
Crystal system: Trigonal (microcrystalline aggregate)
Common locations: Madagascar (northwest coastal region)
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Orbicular patterned chalcedony/jasper with multicolor circular motifs.
Optical effects: Orbicular Patterning
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Orbicular chalcedony/jasper aggregate
Mineral group: Quartz group aggregate
Chemical formula: Silicon dioxide (SiO2) with variable mineral inclusions
Mohs hardness: 6.5
Crystal system: Trigonal (microcrystalline aggregate)
Lustre: waxy
Transparency: opaque
Streak: White
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven
Specific gravity: 2.58-2.65
Refractive index: 1.53-1.54
Optical phenomena: Orbicular patterning
Colour range: Green, white, pink, yellow, brown combinations
Common inclusions: Orbicular silica textures, iron oxides, matrix minerals
Geological environment: Silica-rich volcanic/sedimentary replacement environments
Principal mining regions: Madagascar (northwest coastal region)
Important commercial sources: Commercial ocean jasper is associated with Madagascar localities
Historical significance: A modern trade-favorite patterned ornamental material.
Common treatments: Stabilization and dyeing may occur in some material.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Printed/resin composites can imitate orbicular patterns.
Common look-alikes: Orbicular rhyolite, patterned jaspers, dyed composites
Jewellery uses: Used in cabochons, carvings, spheres, and decorative lapidary products.
Care recommendations: Generally durable but may contain porous zones; avoid harsh impact and chemicals.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Ocean Jasper.
Formation
Forms by silica-rich deposition and replacement processes creating spherical orbicular growth textures.
Origin
Commercial ocean jasper is associated with Madagascar localities
Uses
Best for: Used in cabochons, carvings, spheres, and decorative lapidary products.
Ideal uses: Pattern-focused decorative and jewelry pieces.
Care
Generally durable but may contain porous zones; avoid harsh impact and chemicals.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Commonly confused gemstones
Ocean Jasper FAQ
How can I identify Ocean Jasper?
Compare hardness (6.5 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 Ocean Jasper appear in?
Orbicular patterned chalcedony/jasper with multicolor circular motifs.
Where is Ocean Jasper commonly used?
Pattern-focused decorative and jewelry pieces.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 04 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 04 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 04 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 04 factual verification pass.