Picture jasper - formed in the Owyhee Caldera which is geologically and geothermally connected with Yellowstone caldera. When the caldera blew out water and minerals filled in the void which created the jasper vein over time (around 80 or 90 million years ago). The primary mineral is iron oxide. The difference between jaspers and agates is the degree of translucency. This is determined by the type of chemical bonds, the agates permitting light to pass through while jaspers reflect or absorb the light. They both have the same chemical composition and hardness of quartz, with the latter having other elements Ms “ingredients” mixed in.

Hand-cut stone. Measures 2" x 2 3/4"