Red Jasper
Quartz var. Jasper · Decorative Stone and Semi-Precious Gemstone
Crystal System
Trigonal, microcrystalline (Chalcedony family) forming massive or granular habits
Mineral Group
Silicates (Tectosilicate subgroup)
Chemical Formula
SiO2
Formation Process
Sedimentary or hydrothermal deposition, where silica-rich fluids permeate sediments or volcanic ash, with iron oxides providing the characteristic red coloration
About This Crystal
Carved into the shape of a winged cat figurine, the specimen displays a rich brick-red to brownish-red background mottled with darker gray and whitish quartz or mineral inclusions, exhibiting an opaque transparency and a dull to waxy luster typical of microcrystalline quartz
Physical Characteristics
Brick-red and dark gray body color with a white streak, conchoidal to uneven fracture, no distinct cleavage planes, specific gravity around 2.58 to 2.91, and brittle tenacity
Optical Properties
Singly and doubly refractive in aggregate, microcrystalline structure creating diffuse light scattering, non-pleochroic, and completely opaque without chatoyancy or asterism
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
India, South Africa, Brazil, Madagascar, and the USA; typically found in sedimentary deposits and hydrothermal veins
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, offering good toughness and stability, making it durable for carvings and daily-wear jewelry without severe cleavage vulnerabilities
Care & Maintenance
Easily cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, safe from mild chemicals, but should be stored away from harder minerals to avoid surface scratches; stable in sunlight
Rarity & Value
Common and widely available globally, with value determined by the quality of the carving, color saturation, and pattern aesthetics rather than stone rarity
Special Characteristics
Distinctive opaque microcrystalline texture with natural multicolored matrix blending iron-rich red jasper with contrasting gray and white mineral inclusions
Lore & History
Historically used by ancient civilizations including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Native Americans for amulets, seals, and talismans; traditionally associated in crystal healing with grounding, vitality, stability, and the root chakra