RocksdayJasper vs Snowflake Obsidian
The quickest way to tell Jasper from Snowflake Obsidian: Jasper is clearly harder: Mohs 6.5–7 versus 5–5.5.
Opaque, impurity-rich microcrystalline quartz. Iron oxides give the classic brick red, but jasper comes in nearly every earthy color and pattern.
Photo: Tommy from Arad, CC BY 2.0
Black obsidian sprinkled with white patches of cristobalite that grew as tiny spherulites in the glass.
Photo: Mike Davis, CC0
Quick tests
- Hardness: Jasper is clearly harder: Mohs 6.5–7 versus 5–5.5.
- Texture: Snowflake Obsidian is a rock — a mix of grains or minerals; Jasper is a single mineral.
Key differences
- Jasper is opaque, waxy and much harder.
Side by side
| Property | Jasper | Snowflake Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Mineral | Igneous rock |
| Mohs hardness | 6.5–7 | 5–5.5 |
| Luster | Dull to waxy | Glassy |
| Streak | White | — |
| Colors | Red, Brown, Yellow, Green | Black, White, Gray |
| Crystal system / structure | Microcrystalline quartz (chalcedony) | Volcanic glass with cristobalite spherulites |
| Specific gravity | 2.5–2.9 | 2.35–2.6 |
| Formula | SiO₂ + impurities | — |
| Found in | Oregon and Idaho; India | Millard County, Utah; Mexico |
Properties that are the same for both are grayed out.
How to identify jasper
- Completely opaque, even at thin edges.
- Solid earthy colors, often red, sometimes patterned.
- Hard — scratches glass.
- Smooth, curved fracture surfaces.
Crystal system: Microcrystalline quartz (chalcedony)
Full Jasper guide →How to identify snowflake obsidian
- Glassy black with snowflake-like white spots.
- Curved, sharp fracture. Thin edges are translucent.
- Softer than quartz — a steel file scratches it.
Structure: Volcanic glass with cristobalite spherulites
Full Snowflake Obsidian guide →More comparisons
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between jasper and snowflake obsidian?
Jasper is a mineral with a Mohs hardness of 6.5–7 and a dull to waxy luster, usually red, brown, yellow or green. Snowflake Obsidian is an igneous rock with a Mohs hardness of about 5–5.5 and a glassy luster, usually black, white or gray.
How can you tell jasper from snowflake obsidian?
Jasper is clearly harder: Mohs 6.5–7 versus 5–5.5. Snowflake Obsidian is a rock — a mix of grains or minerals; Jasper is a single mineral. Jasper is opaque, waxy and much harder.
Could you tell them apart from a blurry close-up?
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