Kambaba Jasper is a trade name for a striking green and black sedimentary rock composed of microcrystalline quartz and fossilized stromatolites. It is easily identified by its distinctive circular orbicular patterns that resemble ancient algal growth, making it a favorite for lapidary work and polished ornaments.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Waxy

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

fossilcommonQuartz family

Kambaba Jasper

Also: Crocodile Jasper, Nebula Stone

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

Is this kambaba 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 kambaba jasper with a known reference. Kambaba 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. Kambaba Jasper leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kambaba Jasper typically shows a waxy luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: green, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: massive.

Often confused with

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

igneous

Rhyolite

Mohs 6-7

How to tell apart: Luster reads waxy on Kambaba Jasper and dull on Rhyolite.

Often found alongside kambaba jasper

Minerals reported to co-occur with kambaba 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: 2.6-2.7 g/cm³
Colors: Green Black
Streak: White
Luster: Waxy
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Lapidary, Decorative
Host rock: Sedimentary
Typical price: $5-30 for polished slabs or spheres

Where rockhounds find kambaba jasper

Classic worldwide localities

Madagascar
South Africa

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary country, the host setting where kambaba jasper typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, chlorite 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.

More kambaba jasper photos

Common questions

How do you identify kambaba jasper?+

Mohs hardness is 6.5-7. It typically shows a waxy luster. The streak is white. Common colors include green, black.

Where is kambaba jasper found?+

Notable localities include Madagascar; South Africa.

How much is kambaba jasper worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $5-30 for polished slabs or spheres. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like kambaba jasper?+

Kambaba Jasper is most often confused with Rhyolite, Orbicular Jasper. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with kambaba jasper?+

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

What kind of rock does kambaba jasper form in?+

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

What is kambaba jasper used for?+

Kambaba Jasper is used in lapidary, decorative.

Find kambaba jasper on the map

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