RockHoundR

Jaspilite is a distinctive banded rock composed of alternating layers of hematite and red jasper. It is highly valued by lapidaries for its striking color contrasts and intricate folded patterns which often result from tectonic deformation of the original iron-rich sediments.

Hardness
6-7
Mohs
Luster
Vitreous to metallic
Transparency
Opaque

Is this jaspilite?

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 jaspilite with a known reference. Jaspilite sits at Mohs 6-7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
  • 2
    Read the texture
    Look at a fresh break with a hand lens. Texture: Banded.
  • 3
    Pick out the minerals
    Composition: Hematite and quartz. Identify the two or three most abundant grains.
  • 4
    Read the luster
    Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous to metallic.
  • 5
    Match the color range
    Compare against the expected color range: red, gray, silver, brown.

Often confused with

Jaspilite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

Banded Iron Formation sedimentary
sedimentary
Banded Iron Formation
Mohs 5-7

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous to metallic on Jaspilite and dull to metallic on Banded Iron Formation.

Compare →

Often found alongside jaspilite

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

All properties

Mohs hardness
6-7
Density
3.2-3.5 g/cm³
Colors
RedGraySilverBrown
Luster
Vitreous to metallic
Transparency
Opaque
Rarity
Common
Uses
Collector, Lapidary, Decorative
Host rock
Precambrian banded iron formations
Texture
Banded
Composition
Hematite and quartz

Where rockhounds find jaspilite

2 mapped spots

Classic worldwide localities

  • Lake Superior region, USA
  • Pilbara, Australia
  • Krivoy Rog, Ukraine
  • Minas Gerais, Brazil
  • Quebec, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: Precambrian banded iron formations. If you start seeing hematite, magnetite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Michigan. Start trip planning there.

Browse 2 U.S. spots for jaspilite →

Common questions

How do you identify jaspilite?+
Mohs hardness is 6-7. Texture: Banded. Composition: Hematite and quartz. Luster: vitreous to metallic. Common colors include red, gray, silver, brown.
Where is jaspilite found?+
Notable localities include Lake Superior region, USA; Pilbara, Australia; Krivoy Rog, Ukraine; Minas Gerais, Brazil; Quebec, Canada.
Can I find jaspilite in the United States?+
RockHoundR maps 2 jaspilite rockhounding spots across 1 U.S. states. The top states are Michigan.
What rocks look like jaspilite?+
Jaspilite is most often confused with Banded Iron Formation. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.
What minerals are found with jaspilite?+
Jaspilite commonly co-occurs with Hematite, Magnetite, Quartz, Chert. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.
What kind of rock does jaspilite form in?+
Where it forms: Precambrian banded iron formations. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.
What is jaspilite used for?+
Jaspilite is used in collector, lapidary, decorative.

Find jaspilite on the map

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

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play