Red Jasper

Quartz & Crystal Family

Red jasper is a red color variety of jasper, an opaque, fine-grained silica-rich rock rather than a separate mineral species. Finely dispersed iron oxides produce its brick-red to brownish-red body color, sometimes crossed by veins or patches of other minerals.

Identity

Material or variety: Jasper
Scientific or material identity: Jasper (opaque microcrystalline quartz)
Classification: Rock or mixed mineral material
Composition or formula: SiO₂ with mineral inclusions
Crystal system or structure: Aggregate or composite structure
Geological or manufacturing origin: Can form in more than one geological environment, or combines several materials.
Mohs hardness: 6.5 to 7
Specific gravity: 2.58 to 2.91

Origins

China · Morocco · Peru · South Africa · USA

Appearance & optical properties

opaque brick-red jasper with subtle dark seams.

History & discovery

The name jasper comes through ancient languages from a word meaning a spotted or speckled stone. Jasper was carved into seals and ornaments in early civilizations, including Minoan Crete, and red material remains one of its most familiar lapidary colors.

Uses & care

Common uses: Red jasper is made into cabochons, beads, seals, carvings, spheres, small vessels, and polished decorative slabs; attractive rough is also kept as a specimen.
Handling and cleaning: Wash with warm soapy water and a soft cloth or brush. Jasper resists everyday scratching, but polished pieces should be protected from hard blows, abrasive cleaners, steam, ultrasonic cleaning, and abrupt temperature change.

Jewellery

5 pieces of Red Jasper jewellery. Learners earn each one in DigMyGem by learning words; until then it shows as a silhouette.

Blood of the Earth Ring
Ring
An imagined signet ring for a warrior, since red jasper was long worn as a stone of courage and grounding. Its matte brick-red surface is left uncut.
Scarab Seal Pendant
Pendant
An imagined amulet in the manner of ancient Egyptian scarabs, which were often carved from red jasper. Its flat base turns to stamp a seal.
Ember Guard Brooch
Brooch
An imagined brooch like a small shield. Red jasper is an opaque, iron-rich stone that takes a deep, even polish.
Isis Knot Amulet
Pendant
An imagined amulet in the shape of the knot of Isis, which ancient Egyptians often carved from red jasper to stand for the goddess's blood and protection.
Red Sun Pectoral
Necklace
An imagined Egyptian-style gold pectoral in which a winged sun of red jasper spreads its feathers over a bead collar.