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16.6.1.6: Jasper

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    4111
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    Jasper
    Chemical composition SiO2
    Silicon dioxide
    Crystal system Trigonal
    Habit Aggregate, massive
    Fracture Conchoidal
    Hardness 6.5-7
    Refractive index 1.53-1.54
    Specific gravity 2.58-2.64
    Lustre Vitreous

    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Imperial Jasper Cabochon, Mexico
    Photo courtesy of Rick Martin

    Scenic Jasper

    Picture, or scenic, or landscape jasper and agate gets its name from the pictures of scenes, animals or objects formed by the colorful patterns from other minerals present.

    Poppy Jasper

    "Poppy Jaspers" are jaspers showing red orbicular patterns resembling poppies, hence the name. The best varieties come from Northern California, close to the S. Andreas Fault system (Morgan Hill and Guadalupe).

    Guadalupe Poppy Jasper, California

    File:Jsp0003.JPG

    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Guadalupe poppy jasper cab.

    File:Jsp0002.JPG

    Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): Guadalupe poppy jasper cab.

    Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\): Guadalupe poppy jasper slab.

    Morgan Hill Poppy Jasper, California

    File:Mhpj2.JPG

    Figure \(\PageIndex{4}\): Morgan Hill poppy jasper cab.

    File:Mhpj3.JPG

    Figure \(\PageIndex{5}\): Morgan Hill poppy jasper. Details of the orbicular structures.

    File:Mhpj1.JPG

    Figure \(\PageIndex{6}\): Morgan Hill poppy jasper slab.


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