Dendritic Jasper
A variety of Jasper
What is Dendritic Jasper?
Dendritic Jasper is an interesting form of Jasper, prized for its unusual pattern that resembles fossilized plants. The fern-like or tree-like filaments are actually inclusions of iron and manganese oxide. Dendritic Jasper is commonly sold in the form of tumbled stones, but it's also used in jewelry.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.54
- Birefringence
- 0.003-0.009
- Pleochroism
- None
- Optical Character
- Biaxial positive
- Dispersion
- 0.013
Discover Values
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Dendritic 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 Dendritic Jasper
Dendritic Jasper is a variety of Jasper. RockHoundR, the free-to-download rockhounding map from the Ruby Glint team, shows where collectors find jasper in the US, with land-access notes for BLM land and national forests. Collecting is banned in national parks.
See where to find jasperAlways check the local rules and get the landowner's permission before you collect.
Health & Safety Information
- ⚠️Dendritic Jasper in powdered form can be toxic due to its Crystalline Silica content.
- ⚠️Quartz, silica, crystalline silica and flint are non-toxic materials, but very fine dust containing quartz, known as respirable crystalline silicon (RCS), can cause serious and fatal lung disease. Lapidaries should exercise caution when cutting silica.
- ⚠️Dendritic Jasper is typically non-toxic unless it's in powder form. Long-term exposure to finely ground powder may lead to silicosis. Therefore, when cutting or polishing dendritic Jasper, be sure to wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling its dust.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Red or brown to variably coloured
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 6.5 - 7
- Rock tumbling
- Tumbles well
- Density
- 2.58 - 2.91 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Crystal System
- Trigonal
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- SiO2
- Elements
- Si, O
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Dendritic Jasper FAQs
How do I identify Dendritic Jasper?
Dendritic Jasper can be identified by its hardness of 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs scale, Red or brown to variably coloured color, Vitreous luster, Trigonal crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Dendritic Jasper?
Dendritic Jasper typically appears in Red or brown to variably coloured. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Dendritic Jasper?
Dendritic Jasper has a hardness of 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.