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Jasper

Crystal system · Trigonal

Jasper is a tectosilicate mineral prized by collectors for its exceptional color range.

Jasper specimen
Photo: Tommy from Arad · CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

About Jasperextended article

Pronunciation
/ˈdʒæspər/
↔ JAS-per
two syllables
Birthstone & Anniversary Gift Reference
March (zodiac) — zodiac: Pisces / Aries
October (mystical) — zodiac: Libra / Scorpio
Diaphaneity (Transparency)
opaque
Fine-grained chalcedony with mineral impurities.
Market availability: Common
Widely available in most dealer stocks. Specimens span all price tiers.
Collector tier: Solid Display
Reliable mid-tier display species. Easy to find in well-formed examples; broad locality diversity.
Mohs 7
Vickers (~) 1400 HV
Knoop (~) 1100 HK
GroupQuartz Group (silica)
Related members: Quartz · Amethyst · Citrine · Rose Quartz · Chalcedony · Agate
Mohs Hardness 7

Jasper sits at 7 on the Mohs scale — harder than glass; scratches steel.

Colors:
Streak
White
Crystal system
Trigonal (microcrystalline)
Oxides & HydroxidesOxides (Silica Group)
TL;DR · 1 min read
Jasper is the opaque cryptocrystalline form of quartz — like Chalcedony but with sufficient impurities (iron oxides, clays, organic) to render it opaque rather than translucent. Color and pattern are diagnostic of named varieties: red jasper (Fe oxides), picture jasper (banded landscape patterns), ocean jasper (Madagascar orbicular), and mookaite (Australian).

Jasper is the opaque cryptocrystalline form of quartz — like Chalcedony but with sufficient impurities (iron oxides, clays, organic) to render it opaque rather than translucent. Color and pattern are diagnostic of named varieties: red jasper (Fe oxides), picture jasper (banded landscape patterns), ocean jasper (Madagascar orbicular), and mookaite (Australian). Jasper has been used for ornament since the Stone Age.

More minerals to explore

About Jasper

Jasper belongs to the tectosilicate class in the quartz group (microcrystalline) and has the chemical formula SiO2. It crystallizes in the trigonal system and is one of the most visually varied minerals in the collector market.

Identification & care

Specimens usually show massive cryptocrystalline; nodular, vein-filling; patterned by mineral inclusions. Its color range is broad, including red, brown, yellow, green, blue, cream, black, and often banded or patterned. The luster is dull to waxy, the streak is white, and specimens are typically opaque. The fracture is conchoidal to splintery, which is one of its key identifying features.

Collector context

Collector notes

Jasper is collected for its patterns, texture, and polish response.

Frequently asked questions

What is Jasper?

Jasper is a tectosilicate mineral prized by collectors for its exceptional color range.

What crystal system does Jasper belong to?

Jasper crystallises in the Trigonal crystal system.

Is Jasper rare?

As a collector mineral, Jasper is generally considered common.

References & databases

Mindat.org is the world’s largest open mineralogy database. Our descriptions are written independently and fact-checked.