Howardite: Rattlesnake Jasper

Howardite is an Opalised silicate with a distinctive interwoven and banded pattern and is noted for its rich golden yellow and pinkish-brown colours.

Howardite also known as "Rattlesnake Jasper" and “Royal Flamingo Jasper” is a rare form of opalized/silicate volcanic tuff from northern Nevada. It is a very unique and beautiful red to brown brecciated jasper interspersed with clear agate and/or opal.

 

Red Howardite from Nevada. Photo: SilverHill Lapidary/Jeffrey Hill

The specific locality for Howardite appears to be unknown. Howardite is said to have been discovered in a small occurrence/pocket in the 1940's or 1950's, and the locality/deposit was thereafter said to be mined out, lost, or closed to entry for military purposes (depending on which account you hear). From what I have heard it was last dug in the 1970's and the discoverer could not find his way back to the deposit. 

Rediscovered about 2015-2016 by dominion gems. Four claims were located on the deposit in january 2018 by dominion gems, but not recorded to keep the locality "Private" and to deter poaching and highgrading; shortly thereafter the deposit was rediscovered by others.
 

Rough Red Howardite from Nevada. Photo: SilverHill Lapidary/Jeffrey Hill

 

Polished Red Howardite from Nevada. Photo: SilverHill Lapidary/Jeffrey Hill

Properties of Howardite opal

•     Color: Red, brown, yellow, white
•     Hardness: 6.5-7
•     Density: 2.2-2.4 g/cm3
•     Luster: Vitreous
•     Transparency: Translucent to opaque
•     Cleavage: None
•     Fracture: Irregular
•     Streak: White
•     Specific gravity: 2.2-2.4