Bumblebee Jasper
A variety of Calcite
What is Bumblebee Jasper?
Bumblebee Jasper is not actually a jasper. Bumblebee Jasper is the commercial name for a volcanic material mined in Indonesia. The mineral is recognizable by its distinctive yellow, orange, brown, black, and white banding — the colors seemingly mimicking those of a bumblebee. It's a rare material that can be easily cut and polished.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.486-1.658
- Birefringence
- 0.172
- Pleochroism
- None
- Optical Character
- Uniaxial negative
- Dispersion
- 0.008-0.017
Discover Values
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Bumblebee Jasper before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Where to Find Bumblebee Jasper
Bumblebee Jasper is a variety of Calcite. RockHoundR, the free-to-download rockhounding map from the Ruby Glint team, shows where collectors find calcite in the US, with land-access notes for BLM land and national forests. Collecting is banned in national parks.
See where to find calciteAlways check the local rules and get the landowner's permission before you collect.
Health & Safety Information
- ⚠️Others
- ⚠️Bumblebee Jasper is safe to handle except in powder form, as it contains toxic realgar, a bright yellow mineral that is a sulfide of arsenic. When cutting or polishing it, wear a dust mask to minimize dust inhalation. Store it in a sealed container away from children and pets. For those involved in crystal healing, never put it in your mouth.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Yellow, orange, grey, black
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 3 - 5
- Rock tumbling
- With care
- Density
- 2 - 2.7 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Crystal System
- Trigonal
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- CaCO3
- Elements
- C, Ca, O
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Bumblebee Jasper FAQs
How do I identify Bumblebee Jasper?
Bumblebee Jasper can be identified by its hardness of 3 - 5 on the Mohs scale, Yellow color, Vitreous luster, Trigonal crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Bumblebee Jasper?
Bumblebee Jasper typically appears in Yellow, orange, grey, black. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Bumblebee Jasper?
Bumblebee Jasper has a hardness of 3 - 5 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.