Ocean Jasper
A variety of Jasper
What is Ocean Jasper?
Ocean Jasper is an unscientific trade name for a stone mined mainly in northwestern Madagascar. This material's marketing value lies in its multicolored patterns of swirls and orbs. It is not a true Jasper, but most likely a spherical variety of Chalcedony. The material can be easily polished, so it's often sold as tumbled stones or carved into ornamental objects.
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 Ocean 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 Ocean Jasper
Ocean 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
- ⚠️Ocean 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.
- ⚠️Ocean 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 ocean Jasper, be sure to wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling its dust.
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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Green, brown, cream, white, red, pink, yellow, etc.
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 6.5 - 7
- Rock tumbling
- Tumbles well
- Density
- 2.5 - 2.6 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Crystal System
- Trigonal
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- SiO2
- Elements
- Si, O
Also Known As
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Ocean Jasper FAQs
How do I identify Ocean Jasper?
Ocean Jasper can be identified by its hardness of 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs scale, Green color, Vitreous luster, Trigonal crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Ocean Jasper?
Ocean Jasper typically appears in Green, brown, cream, white, red, pink, yellow, etc.. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Ocean Jasper?
Ocean Jasper has a hardness of 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.