Curved or angular concentric banding in translucent white, gray, amber, red, and blue-gray tones, as well as dendritic...
Chemical formula
SiO₂ (Microcrystalline fibrous silica with trace iron/manganese oxides)
Chalcedony / Microcrystalline Quartz • Quartz (Microgranular Silica Aggregate)
Jasper
Opaque terracotta red, ochre yellow, sage green, orbicular, or landscape-patterned bands caused by rich mineral inclusions.
SiO₂ + up to 20% iron oxides, clay minerals, and mineral inclusionsMohs 6.5 – 7.0 Mohs
Mineralogical & Gemological Profile
| Mineral Family | Chalcedony / Microcrystalline Quartz |
|---|---|
| Mineral Species | Quartz (Microgranular Silica Aggregate) |
| Gemological Variety | Jasper |
| Chemical Composition | SiO₂ + up to 20% iron oxides, clay minerals, and mineral inclusions |
| Crystal System | Trigonal (Microgranular aggregate) |
| Mohs Hardness | 6.5 – 7.0 Mohs |
| Specific Gravity | 2.58 – 2.91 |
| Refractive Index | 1.540 (Spot) |
Color Characteristics & Optical Behavior
Opaque terracotta red, ochre yellow, sage green, orbicular, or landscape-patterned bands caused by rich mineral inclusions.
Geological Context & Pakistani / Global Localities
Sedimentary and volcanic silica formations consolidated with iron and manganese oxides.
Collector Interest & Rarity Factors
Picture jaspers, orbicular ocean jaspers, and porcelain-luster cabochons.
Fine Jewelry Applications
Statement cabochon pendants, bola ties, signet rings, and lapidary objects.
Treatment Considerations & Disclosure
Natural jasper is typically untreated; stabilized or dyed reconstituted stones are disclosed.
Care & Cleaning Instructions
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth.
Traditional Meaning
Traditional Symbolism & Cultural Heritage
Used since Neolithic times across the Indus and Mesopotamian civilizations as an emblem of earthly grounding and endurance.
Note: Cultural and birthstone traditions are presented strictly as historical folklore, never as scientifically verified medical or metaphysical effects.
Chalcedony / Microcrystalline Quartz
Related Entries
Translucent warm orange, fiery sunset red, to brownish-red (sard).
Chemical formula
SiO₂ + Fe₂O₃ (Hematite/Iron Oxide sub-microscopic inclusions)
Vivid apple green to mint green; unlike emerald or chrome chalcedony, its color comes from trace nickel rather...
Chemical formula
SiO₂ + Ni²⁺ (Nickel-bearing phyllosilicate/pimelite inclusions)