Yellow Jasper
A variety of Jasper
What is Yellow Jasper?
An opaque type of silica that owes its coloring to inner impurities, yellow Jasper has been a beloved carving material for millennia, used for anything from pendants to vases to ceremonial baskets. It is often used in conjunction with other gemstones or types of jasper to highlight its unique hues.
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 Yellow 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.
Yellow Jasper Localities Map
See where Yellow Jasper is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Health & Safety Information
- ⚠️Yellow 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.
- ⚠️Yellow 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 yellow Jasper, be sure to wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling its dust.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Yellow
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 6.5 - 7
- Density
- 2.58 - 2.65 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Crystal System
- Trigonal
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- SiO2
- Elements
- Si, O
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Yellow Jasper FAQs
How do I identify Yellow Jasper?
Yellow Jasper can be identified by its hardness of 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs scale, Yellow color, Vitreous luster, Trigonal crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Yellow Jasper?
Yellow Jasper typically appears in Yellow. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Yellow Jasper?
Yellow Jasper has a hardness of 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.