“Picture Jasper” describes jasper varieties that show scenic, landscape-like banding or color patterns resembling desert horizons, mountains, or skies. Idaho has some of the most famous examples.

Banding and scenic markings caused by iron oxides and other mineral impurities in the silica. Many slabs cut from Idaho Picture Jasper resemble painted desert landscapes or canyon scenes.

Idaho Picture Jasper became popular in the mid-20th century during the boom in American lapidary hobbyists. Its scenic quality made it a favorite at rock shows and in jewelry.

American Identity: Alongside Montana Agate, Bruneau Jasper, and Owyhee Jasper, it’s considered one of the classic “American lapidary stones.”

In collector culture, it is valued for how much a piece resembles a photographic landscape — sometimes called “nature’s paintings.”