Poppy Jasper is a distinct variety of orbicular jasper characterized by its reddish, poppy-like inclusions of hematite scattered throughout a silica matrix. It is highly prized by lapidary enthusiasts for the striking patterns revealed when cut and polished into cabochons or decorative spheres.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Waxy

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralcommonQuartz family

Poppy Jasper

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

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

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside poppy jasper

Minerals reported to co-occur with poppy 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: Red Yellow Brown Black White
Streak: White
Luster: Waxy
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 poppy jasper

1 mapped spots

Classic worldwide localities

Morgan Hill, California, USA
Santa Clara County, California, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary country — that is the host setting where poppy jasper typically forms. If you start seeing chalcedony, quartz, 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 California — start trip planning there.

Browse 1 U.S. spots for poppy jasper →

Common questions

How do you identify poppy jasper?+

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

Where is poppy jasper found?+

Notable localities include Morgan Hill, California, USA; Santa Clara County, California, USA.

Can I find poppy jasper in the United States?+

RockHoundR maps 1 poppy jasper rockhounding spots across 1 U.S. states — the top states are California.

How much is poppy jasper worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $5-50 for slabs or polished cabochons. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like poppy jasper?+

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

What minerals are found with poppy jasper?+

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

What kind of rock does poppy jasper form in?+

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

What is poppy jasper used for?+

Poppy Jasper is used in lapidary, decorative, collector.

Find poppy jasper on the map

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