Rough Red Jasper Mineral Specimen Appraisal

Rough Red Jasper Mineral Specimen

The item is an unfaceted, rough specimen of what appears to be Red Jasper, a common opaque variety of chalcedony, which is a microcrystalline form of quartz. Physically, it is an irregularly shaped, angular rock fragment, consistent with a natural fracture or cleavage pattern. The primary color is a rich, earthy reddish-brown, indicative of high iron content within the mineral. Scattered throughout the reddish matrix are several distinct patches and veins of a lighter, off-white to cream-colored material, likely quartz or another mineral inclusion. The surface texture appears somewhat dull to earthy, with some areas showing a slightly smoother fracture surface and others exhibiting a coarser, more granular appearance. The overall size appears to be small to medium, likely fitting in the palm of a hand. There are no visible signs of polish or intentional shaping, suggesting it is a raw, unworked specimen. No discernible maker's marks, signatures, or stamps are present as expected for a natural mineral specimen. The geological age of Red Jasper formation typically spans millions of years, placing its origin firmly in ancient geological periods. The condition appears to be natural, exhibiting no obvious signs of recent damage, repair, or significant wear beyond what would be expected from natural formation and handling. Its quality is determined by the vibrancy of its color and the clarity of its matrix against inclusions.