Picture Jasper is an opaque, microcrystalline variety of quartz characterized by complex, landscape-like patterns created by iron oxide or manganese dendrites within the silica matrix. Collectors prize it for its unique, often scenic inclusions that resemble mountain ranges or forests when cut and polished. It is typically found in sedimentary environments where silica-rich fluids have filled cavities or replaced original rock materials.
Is this picture 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 picture jasper with a known reference. Picture 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. Picture Jasper leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Picture Jasper typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, tan, cream, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: massive.
Often confused with
Picture Jasper vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Picture Jasper and waxy on Flint Nodules.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Picture Jasper and waxy on Agate.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Picture Jasper and dull on Rhyolite.
Often found alongside picture jasper
Minerals reported to co-occur with picture 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
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Lapidary, Decorative, Collector
- Host rock
- Sedimentary
- Typical price
- $5-50 for slabs or polished cabochons
Where rockhounds find picture jasper
Classic worldwide localities
- Oregon, USA
- Idaho, USA
- Mexico
- Egypt
- Madagascar
Field-hunting tip
Look in sedimentary country — that is the host setting where picture jasper typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, chalcedony, calcite 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
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Find picture jasper on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
