Natural Polychromic Jasper — Rough

Polychromic Jasper is a variety of jasper, a siliceous sedimentary rock composed predominantly of microcrystalline chalcedony (SiO₂) with a silica content greater than 90%. It is formed by the deposition and cementation of volcanic and clayey sediments in shallow aquatic environments, subsequently silicified by hydrothermal solutions that progressively replace the original matrix with silica. The multiple and characteristic coloration — with patterns in shades of red, orange, yellow, brown, cream and green distributed irregularly — results from the simultaneous presence of different metallic oxides: hematite (Fe₂O₃) for the red tones, goethite (FeO·OH) for the yellow and orange tones, and chlorite or celadonite for the greenish tones. The irregular distribution of these oxides during silicification defines the unique polychromic patterns of each specimen. Hardness: 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. Density: 2.58 to 2.91 g/cm³. Crystalline system: trigonal (microcrystalline). Available variations, approximate data: 1 to 3 cm — Approx. 0.010 kg — 250 pcs per kg 3 to 6 cm — 0.030 to 0.150 kg — 30 pieces per kg 6 to 15 cm — 0.150 to 0.800 kg — 2 to 3 pieces per kg