Jasper is an opaque form of Chalcedony, which is a microcrystalline variety of the mineral Quartz. It often contains an abundance of impurities, and therefore some regard it as a rock instead of a mineral. Jasper is usually associated with brown, yellow, or reddish colors, but may be used to describe other opaque colors of Chalcedony such as dark or mottled green and orange.
The name jasper derived from a Greek word iaspis meaning 'spotted or speckled stone' because of jasper's speckled varieties. Red jasper is a popular form of jasper due to its rustic red coloring.
Chemical Formula: SiO2; Hardness: 6.5 - 7; Color: Red, Orange;