Zebra Jasper
Quartz var. Jasper / Microcrystalline Quartz with Impurities · Decorative Stone
Crystal System
Trigonal
Mineral Group
Silicates
Chemical Formula
SiO2
Formation Process
Sedimentary and hydrothermal deposition, where silica-rich fluids permeate porous rock and crystallize into microcrystalline quartz alongside various mineral impurities that create distinct banding.
About This Crystal
A polished, smooth, oval-shaped palm stone displaying a striking, high-contrast banded pattern of opaque white and dark charcoal-gray to black stripes. The surface is glossy and vitreous due to tumbling and polishing, with no visible raw crystal faces.
Physical Characteristics
Color includes opaque white, gray, and black bands; streak is white; fracture is conchoidal; specific gravity is approximately 2.65 to 2.70; tenacity is brittle; non-magnetic.
Optical Properties
Singly refractive aggregate under polariscope, microcrystalline nature results in no notable pleochroism or major optical phenomena, opaque transparency with a waxy to vitreous luster when polished.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
India, Africa, and various global localities; typically found in sedimentary and volcanic deposits
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7; good durability and toughness, making it resistant to everyday wear and suitable for handling as a palm stone or in jewelry.
Care & Maintenance
Easy to care for; can be cleaned safely with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners and prolonged exposure to direct, intense sunlight to maintain polish.
Rarity & Value
Common; widely available and affordable, valued primarily for decorative and ornamental use rather than as a precious gemstone.
Special Characteristics
Distinct natural black-and-white zebra-like banding caused by alternating layers of microcrystalline quartz and dark mineral inclusions.
Lore & History
Often associated in metaphysical practices with motivation, stamina, and balancing the root chakra, though these are traditional beliefs and not scientific claims.