Brecciated Jasper is a distinct variety of jasper characterized by its fractured and cemented appearance, caused by tectonic or volcanic forces that break the rock and allow silica-rich fluids to fill the gaps. It features sharp, angular fragments of jasper held together by a contrasting matrix of quartz or chalcedony. It is a highly popular material for lapidary work due to its intricate, mosaic-like patterns and high polish.
Is this brecciated jasper?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch brecciated jasper with a known reference. Brecciated Jasper sits at Mohs 6.5-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Brecciated Jasper leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Brecciated Jasper typically shows a waxy luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: red, brown, yellow, black, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: massive.
Often confused with
Brecciated Jasper vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside brecciated jasper
Minerals reported to co-occur with brecciated 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
- 2.5-2.9 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Waxy
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Lapidary, Decorative, Collector
- Host rock
- Sedimentary or Volcanic Environments
- Typical price
- $5-30 for small cabochons or rough specimens
Where rockhounds find brecciated jasper
1 mapped spotsClassic worldwide localities
- USA
- Mexico
- Madagascar
- Australia
Field-hunting tip
Look in sedimentary or volcanic environments country — that is the host setting where brecciated jasper typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, chalcedony, hematite 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. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in California — start trip planning there.
Common questions
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Find brecciated jasper on the map
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