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Gemstone profile and identification guide

Red Jasper

Red jasper is an iron-rich opaque chalcedony variety used extensively in lapidary work.

6.75 Mohs Red, Brick Red Silicate (Jasper Variety, Opaque Chalcedony)
Red Jasper

Overview

Red jasper is an iron-rich opaque chalcedony variety used extensively in lapidary work.

Did you know? Red jasper has been used in seals and carvings since ancient civilizations.

Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.

Identification

Name: Red Jasper

Scientific classification: Silicate (Jasper Variety, Opaque Chalcedony)

Hardness: 6.75 Mohs

Transparency: opaque

Lustre: waxy

Crystal system: Trigonal (microcrystalline aggregate)

Primary colour: Red

Secondary colour: Brick Red

Colour family: Reds

Opaque red body with jasper texture and quartz hardness are key 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 and treatment-sensitive entries include explicit disclosure notes where applicable.

Physical Properties

Hardness category: hard

Hardness value: 6.75 Mohs

Chemical composition: Silicon dioxide (SiO2) with iron-oxide pigmentation

Crystal system: Trigonal (microcrystalline aggregate)

Common locations: India, Brazil, South Africa, Russia, United States

Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.

Colour Variations

Opaque red jasper colored primarily by iron oxides.

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-oxide pigmentation

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: Red to brown-red

Common inclusions: Iron oxide bands, matrix streaks

Geological environment: Silica-rich sedimentary/volcanic replacement systems

Principal mining regions: India, Brazil, South Africa, Russia, United States

Important commercial sources: Red jasper is globally distributed in silica-rich sedimentary and volcanic environments

Historical significance: Historic ornamental stone with widespread cultural use.

Common treatments: Dyeing can occur in low-grade material.

Synthetic or imitation forms: Dyed composites and glass imitations exist.

Common look-alikes: Carnelian, dyed agate, red chert

Jewellery uses: Used in beads, cabochons, carvings, and decorative inlay.

Care recommendations: Durable for everyday wear and carving; avoid heavy impact on thin pieces.

Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Red Jasper.

Formation

Forms via silica deposition and replacement with iron-rich pigments.

Origin

Red jasper is globally distributed in silica-rich sedimentary and volcanic environments

Uses

Best for: Used in beads, cabochons, carvings, and decorative inlay.

Ideal uses: Earth-tone jewelry and carving stock.

Red Jasper FAQ

How can I identify Red 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 Red Jasper appear in?

Opaque red jasper colored primarily by iron oxides.

Where is Red Jasper commonly used?

Earth-tone jewelry and carving stock.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.