Bloody Bison Jasper

USA

Earthy red and brown jasper named for its dramatic blood-toned veining.

Where it comes from

Jasper is a microcrystalline form of quartz, found in deposits worldwide. Bloody Bison is a trade name for a specific style of red, brown, and ochre jasper rough found in the western United States. It's marketed under a few different names depending on the cutter, but the color story stays consistent: deep red veining laced through warm browns and tans.

What makes it distinctive

Dense, opaque stone with rich earth-toned banding. Patterns can look like stained hide, dried clay, or weathered desert rock depending on the cut. Polishes to a soft satin luster rather than the glossy shine of finer agates. The red coloring comes from iron oxide inclusions.

How to identify it

Genuine bloody bison jasper has organic, irregular patterning that won't repeat from cab to cab. Quality stones show clean polish with no surface cracks or undercut areas. Pairs beautifully with turquoise in mixed-stone Southwestern jewelry as an earthy contrast color.