Dalmatian stone is a pale igneous rock spotted with black, usually sold as dalmatian jasper. A study in Gems & Gemology found the matrix is mostly quartz and feldspar, largely mesoperthite, and identified the black spots as the alkali amphibole arfvedsonite. Because it does not meet the gemological definition of jasper, the authors recommend calling it dalmatian stone. Dealers name Chihuahua, Mexico, as the source, but the study could not confirm where its samples came from.
Is this dalmatian stone?
3-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Read the textureLook at a fresh break with a hand lens. Texture: Black spots in a pale matrix.
- 2Pick out the mineralsComposition: Quartz and feldspar (mostly mesoperthite, with albite) with black spots of the amphibole arfvedsonite. Identify the two or three most abundant grains.
- 3Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, black.
Often found alongside dalmatian stone
Minerals reported to co-occur with dalmatian stone. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Uses
- Lapidary
- Texture
- Black spots in a pale matrix
- Composition
- Quartz and feldspar (mostly mesoperthite, with albite) with black spots of the amphibole arfvedsonite
Where rockhounds find dalmatian stone
Classic worldwide localities
- Chihuahua, Mexico (reported by dealers; not confirmed by analysis)
Field-hunting tip
If you start seeing quartz, arfvedsonite, albite in float, you are in the right ground.
Common questions
Where is dalmatian stone found?+
What minerals are found with dalmatian stone?+
What is dalmatian stone used for?+
Find dalmatian stone on the map
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