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

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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 — that is 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.

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.