SNAKESKIN JASPER (CUT AND POLISHED) - Western Australia

Cut and polished

Snakeskin prospect, Meekatharra Shire, Western Australia

Jasper is an aggregate of microscopic crystals of quartz (silica). It is essentially an impure form of silica but can be very beautiful. It is usually red in colour due to inclusions of iron.

This colourful jasper is marketed as 'snakeskin jasper' after the pattern and texture of the rock.

This block has one face cut and is polished to a mirror finish. It is from old stock and was collected in the 1980s or earlier. It stands upright for display.