Jasper pebble, one inch long (2.5 cm)
Larger version

Jasper is an opaque, impure variety of quartz that is red, yellow or other colors. This mineral breaks with a smooth surface that is used for ornamentation or as a gemstone. It can be highly polished and is used for vases, seals, and at one time for snuff boxes. When the colors are in stripes or bands, it is called striped or banded jasper. The Egyptian pebble[?] is a brownish yellow jasper.

See also: List of minerals

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