Orbicular Jasper is a microcrystalline quartz characterized by distinct, circular or sphere-like patterns created by radial growth of minerals. It is highly prized by lapidary artists for its unique, colorful eyes and varied orb arrangements when polished. Commonly found in silicified volcanic or sedimentary rocks, it is typically collected as rough nodules or polished slabs.
Is this orbicular 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 orbicular jasper with a known reference. Orbicular 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. Orbicular Jasper leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Orbicular Jasper typically shows a waxy luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green, yellow, brown, red, white, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: massive.
Often confused with
Orbicular Jasper vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside orbicular jasper
Minerals reported to co-occur with orbicular 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
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Waxy
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Lapidary, Ornamental, Collector
- Host rock
- Sedimentary
- Typical price
- $5-50 for slabs and polished cabochons
Where rockhounds find orbicular jasper
2 mapped spotsClassic worldwide localities
- Madagascar
- USA
- Mexico
- Russia
- Australia
Field-hunting tip
Look in sedimentary country — that is the host setting where orbicular 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 Washington — start trip planning there.
Common questions
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Find orbicular jasper on the map
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