Biggs Jasper is a highly prized ornamental stone known for its intricate, landscape-like patterns, swirling bands, and desert-inspired color palette. It originated from ancient volcanic ash beds near the Columbia River, which were later replaced by silica to form this dense, tough material. Collectors look for pieces with high-contrast orbicular patterns and clear, non-porous banding.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Waxy

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralcommonQuartz family

Biggs Jasper

Hardness: 6.5-7
Luster: Waxy
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

Is this biggs jasper?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch biggs jasper with a known reference. Biggs Jasper sits at Mohs 6.5-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Biggs Jasper leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Biggs Jasper typically shows a waxy luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: tan, brown, cream, pink, red, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: massive.

Often confused with

Biggs Jasper vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Luster reads waxy on Biggs Jasper and waxy to dull on Owyhee Jasper.

Often found alongside biggs jasper

Minerals reported to co-occur with biggs jasper. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: SiO₂
Mohs hardness: 6.5-7
Density: 2.65 g/cm³
Colors: Tan Brown Cream Pink Red Gray
Streak: White
Luster: Waxy
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Lapidary, Collector, Decorative
Host rock: Sedimentary Volcanic Ash Deposits
Typical price: $10-50 per slab, $50-300 per large polished display piece

Where rockhounds find biggs jasper

Classic worldwide localities

Biggs Junction, Oregon, USA
Sherman County, Oregon, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary volcanic ash deposits country — that is the host setting where biggs jasper typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, chalcedony, opal in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify biggs jasper?+

Mohs hardness is 6.5-7. It typically shows a waxy luster. The streak is white. Common colors include tan, brown, cream, pink.

Where is biggs jasper found?+

Notable localities include Biggs Junction, Oregon, USA; Sherman County, Oregon, USA.

How much is biggs jasper worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $10-50 per slab, $50-300 per large polished display piece. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like biggs jasper?+

Biggs Jasper is most often confused with Morrisonite, Owyhee Jasper, Flint Nodules. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with biggs jasper?+

Biggs Jasper commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Chalcedony, Opal. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does biggs jasper form in?+

Biggs Jasper typically forms in sedimentary volcanic ash deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is biggs jasper used for?+

Biggs Jasper is used in lapidary, collector, decorative.

Find biggs jasper on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.