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Poppy Jasper
Poppy Jasper is silicate (orbicular jasper), SiO₂ + hematite. In the hand, it rates 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, and it runs brick red with yellow, cream, and black round 'poppies'. Brick-red jasper blooming with round multicolor orbs, red-and-yellow 'poppies' scattered like a flower field in stone.
The geology.
Poppy Jasper carries the formula SiO₂ + hematite. It belongs to the trigonal (cryptocrystalline) system. It is classified as silicate (orbicular jasper).
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 blooming with round multicolor orbs, red-and-yellow 'poppies' scattered like a flower field in stone.
You will most often meet it as tumbled, cabochons, spheres or beads.
The origins.
Classic: Morgan Hill and Stone Canyon, California (USA), original localities now largely closed to collecting.
On value, the database notes: mid-range; authentic California material is collector-grade.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, associated with joyfulness and motivating energy.
People buy on this language, so it belongs on the page. It belongs under the facts, though, not over them.
Spotting the real thing.
Brick-red jasper blooming with round multicolor orbs, red-and-yellow 'poppies' scattered like a flower field in stone.
Generic red orbicular jaspers get sold under the famous name, true Morgan Hill material is old stock and priced like it.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Ocean jasper | Ocean jasper's orbs come in seafoam-pink palettes from Madagascar; poppy runs hot brick-red Californian tones |
| Leopardskin jasper | Leopardskin rosettes sit in tan rhyolite, subtler and ringed |
| Brecciated jasper | Breccia is angular shards, no round poppies |
At-home tests.
You can run every one of these at a kitchen table. Good light matters more than gear when you are looking at poppy jasper.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| By eye | Round orb 'poppies' against red matrix |
| Scratch check | Scratches glass |
| Acid check | No fizz |
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
Classic: Morgan Hill and Stone Canyon, California (USA), original localities now largely closed to collecting.
What it gets confused with
Ocean jasper: Ocean jasper's orbs come in seafoam-pink palettes from Madagascar; poppy runs hot brick-red Californian tones. Leopardskin jasper: Leopardskin rosettes sit in tan rhyolite, subtler and ringed. Brecciated jasper: Breccia is angular shards, no round poppies.
What it is worth
Mid-range; authentic California material is collector-grade.
Where buyers get caught
Generic red orbicular jaspers get sold under the famous name, true Morgan Hill material is old stock and priced like it.
One more thing
Morgan Hill adopted the stone as a civic symbol, its poppy jasper is protected, making old-stock pieces little Californian heirlooms.
An education-first guide.
We do not stock poppy jasper. Writing it up regardless is the point of a reference library.
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