Jasper

Jasper is a type of opaque, fine-grained stone that is a member of the quartz family. It is made up of microcrystalline quartz and other minerals, and can be red, yellow, brown, or green in color. Jasper is often used for jewelry and ornamentation, and can be cut into gemstones or polished to make vases, seals, and snuff boxes.

Colors It Comes In - Red, Green, Blue, Black, Yellow, White, Grey, Brown, Orange

Fracture Pattern - Conchoidal

Shape -

Oval:

Brecciated jasper can be oval in shape.

Teardrop:

Ocean jasper can be teardrop shaped.

Faceted diamond:

Red jasper can be faceted into a diamond shape.

Skull:

Green jasper and calcite can be shaped like a skull.

Jasper can also be found in other shapes, such as chicklet and round.

Luster - Vitreous

Texture - Jasper breaks with a smooth surface and is used for ornamentation or as a gemstone.

Where They Can Be Found - Jasper is found in a variety of environments but is best seen in volcanic areas where it develops in and from volcanic ash deposits.

Volcanic areas:

Jasper is often found in volcanic ash deposits, where it develops from the ash that has been reheated by later volcanic activity.
Sedimentary and metamorphic rocks:

Jasper is common in these types of rocks, often as veinlets, concretions, and replacements.
Ocean beaches:

Jasper can be found on ocean beaches.
Southwest New Mexico:

The Gila Country of southwest New Mexico is a source of jasper and pink chalcedony.
Utah:

Jasper can be found between Capitol Reef National Park and Caineville, Wayne County.
Indonesia:

Jasper is found in Indonesia, especially in the Purbalingga district.
Idaho:

Bruneau jasper is found in the Bruneau River canyon in Idaho.
Wales:

Jasper can be found at Ynys Llanddwyn in Wales.
Russia:

A blue-green jasper can be found in a deposit at Ettutkan Mountain, Staryi Sibay, Bashkortostan.
Madagascar:

Polychrome jasper is found on the northern coast of Madagascar.

Hardness On The Mohs Scale - 6.5 To 7 Out Of 10