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Jasper opal is a naturally occurring silica-based gemstone that combines the structural characteristics of both jasper and opal, exhibiting a unique matrix where common opal forms within jasper host rock. The stone displays distinctive patterns of opalization within its jasper framework, creating a remarkable interplay between the opaque qualities of jasper and the translucent to transparent nature of opal.
The formation occurs when silica-rich solutions penetrate jasper deposits, filling voids and fissures with opal material. These specimens often showcase a range of colors from earth tones of red, brown, and yellow from the jasper component, while the opal portions can present white, blue, or green hues. The stone’s hardness varies between 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, with the jasper sections typically being harder than the opal inclusions.
Found primarily in Madagascar, Indonesia, and Mexico, jasper opal specimens are valued for their unique geological composition and aesthetic appeal in both mineralogical collections and ornamental applications.
Jasper Opal is typically a natural gemstone.
Common names for Jasper Opal include: Picture Opal, Paintbrush Jasper, and Scenic Jasper.
Jasper typically has a hardness of about 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it fairly resistant to scratches and abrasion.
Jasper, being a form of chalcedony, has a refractive index generally around 1.54.
Jasper has a dull to vitreous luster, often described as waxy or matte, particularly if it’s unpolished.
Jasper does not exhibit cleavage and instead breaks with a conchoidal fracture.
The typical fracture in jasper is conchoidal, which is a curved fracture that resembles the inner ring pattern seen in shells.
Jasper has a specific gravity typically ranging from 2.58 to 2.91.
Being an aggregate mineral, jasper is not birefringent and is usually opaque.
Jasper generally shows no dispersion or fire due to its opacity.
Jasper belongs to the trigonal crystal system, forming microcrystalline quartz aggregates.
Jasper is known for its rich, earthy colors which can include red, yellow, brown, green, or even blue. The color often includes various stripes, patterns, or spots.
Jasper is opaque, which means it does not allow light to pass through it.
As an opaque stone, jasper does not exhibit pleochroism.
Jasper is typically non-fluorescent under UV light.
Jasper is relatively tough due to its microcrystalline structure, making it good for use in various types of jewelry and ornamentation.
Jasper is generally considered to be brittle.
The optic sign of jasper is not applicable because it is an opaque stone.
Jasper does not have a characteristic absorption spectrum due to its opacity.
Jasper is a form of chalcedony, which is silica (silicon dioxide, SiO2).
While rare, some types of jasper can exhibit a cat’s eye effect if fibrous mineral inclusions are present and properly aligned.
Jasper does not typically display asterism.
Some forms of jasper can show iridescence if they have a fine-grained fibrous structure or if fractures within the stone reflect light in a particular way.
Jasper is not magnetic.
Being composed primarily of silicon dioxide, jasper is generally a poor conductor of electricity.
Jasper is not radioactive.
