Brecciated Jasper
Brecciated Jasper is silicate (jasper, re-cemented), SiO₂ + hematite. In the hand, it rates 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, and it runs brick red fragments and gray-white quartz veining. Brick-red jasper shattered and naturally re-glued, angular red fragments suspended in webs of gray, white, and black silica.
The geology.
Brecciated Jasper carries the formula SiO₂ + hematite. It belongs to the trigonal (cryptocrystalline) system. Catalogues list it as silicate (jasper, re-cemented).
It sits at 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads waxy. Light behaviour is opaque. Specific gravity runs 2.58 to 2.91. The streak is white. It breaks with conchoidal fracture.
Brick-red jasper shattered and naturally re-glued, angular red fragments suspended in webs of gray, white, and black silica.
It reaches buyers as tumbled, palm stones, spheres or beads.
The origins.
Silica-rich fault and vein zones; commercial material from South Africa, India, Brazil.
On value, the database notes: common and very affordable.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, associated with regaining strength after upheaval.
We keep this section because people ask. It sits below the geology on purpose, and none of it describes something the stone does.
Spotting the real thing.
Brick-red jasper shattered and naturally re-glued, angular red fragments suspended in webs of gray, white, and black silica.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Poppy jasper | Poppy jasper adds round orb 'poppies'; brecciated jasper is all angular shards |
| Red jasper (plain) | Plain red jasper lacks the fragment-and-vein patchwork |
| Dyed crackle quartz | Crackle quartz is translucent with dye pooled in fresh fractures |
At-home tests.
Before anyone talks you into a lab report, these are the checks worth doing yourself on brecciated jasper.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| Scratch check | Scratches glass (Mohs 6.5 to 7) |
| By eye | Angular fragment pattern under the polish |
| Acid check | No fizz, no dye in cracks |
Destructive tests belong to a gemologist, not a kitchen table. If a piece matters to you, pay for an appraisal before you take a file to it.
Care & handling.
At 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale it handles careful wear but scratches against quartz and dust. Store it separately and take rings off before rough work.
It breaks with conchoidal fracture, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Clean it by hand, dry it properly, and keep it away from ultrasonic cleaners and hot steam.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is SiO₂ + hematite. Crystal system: Trigonal (cryptocrystalline). Specific gravity: 2.58 to 2.91. Streak: White. Cleavage and fracture: Conchoidal fracture.
How it reaches the market
Silica-rich fault and vein zones; commercial material from South Africa, India, Brazil.
What it gets confused with
Poppy jasper: Poppy jasper adds round orb 'poppies'; brecciated jasper is all angular shards. Red jasper (plain): Plain red jasper lacks the fragment-and-vein patchwork. Dyed crackle quartz: Crackle quartz is translucent with dye pooled in fresh fractures.
What it is worth
Common and very affordable.
One more thing
The stone broke underground and silica-rich water healed it, each piece is a self-repaired fracture zone.
An education-first guide.
We do not stock brecciated jasper. Writing it up regardless is the point of a reference library.
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