Have you wondered, “What is the Seer Stone made of?” In August 2015, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released images of one of Joseph Smith’s seer stones, allowing geologists to study it closely. They identified the stone as a form of jasper originating from a banded iron formation. The church published these images in a volume of the Joseph Smith Papers Project that included the printer’s manuscript of the Book of Mormon. The stone is described as a rounded, smooth, brown-and-black object.
Image source: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
What is banded Jasper?
The Seer Stone pictured above is made of Banded jasper, which is a variety of jasper, a microcrystalline form of quartz, distinguished by its colorful, layered, or striped patterns. These bands often result from the alternating deposition of silica and iron-rich minerals over time. Banded jasper is typically associated with banded iron formations (BIFs), ancient geological deposits composed of alternating layers of iron oxides and silica that date back billions of years.
Key Characteristics:
- Composition: Mainly silica (SiO₂) with iron oxides or other minerals adding color.
- Colors: Often features a mix of red, brown, yellow, black, and white layers.
- Formation: Found in sedimentary environments where minerals were deposited in rhythmic patterns over time.
- Hardness: Like other jasper, it ranks about 6.5–7 on the Mohs hardness scale.
What was the Seer Stone used for?
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often called Latter-day Saints or Mormons, believe that Joseph Smith translated a sacred text known as the Book of Mormon. According to Smith, he discovered the book as an ancient record written on gold plates, buried in a hill. His account describes using two stones, found alongside the plates, to assist in the translation process. Other accounts mention that Smith used one or more seer stones he already owned. Over time, these stones, regardless of their origin, were collectively referred to as the “Urim and Thummim,” a term derived from the biblical instruments used by Israelite high priests for divine guidance.
In recent years, historical research has brought greater clarity to Joseph Smith’s use of seer stones, both before and during the translation of the Book of Mormon. For some, these findings have been surprising or even unsettling, particularly regarding Smith’s use of seer stones for non-religious purposes, such as treasure seeking, prior to the Book of Mormon’s discovery. Others interpret this practice as preparation for his spiritual role or evidence of his seer abilities. For most Latter-day Saints, the central question remains whether Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon through the power of God, rather than the specific instruments he used. This resource offers a detailed exploration of seer stones and their role in Smith’s translation efforts.
When Joseph Smith published the Book of Mormon in 1830, he described it as a translation of an ancient record detailing the lives and spiritual experiences of the early inhabitants of the Americas. The text contained “the fullness of the everlasting Gospel… as delivered by the Savior.” Smith stated that an angel led him to the record’s burial place and that the accompanying translation instruments, described as “two stones in silver bows” attached to a breastplate, were ancient tools of seers. He later identified these instruments as the Urim and Thummim, specifically prepared to assist in the translation.
Throughout his life, Joseph Smith consistently testified that the translation was completed “by the gift and power of God.” While Smith emphasized the use of the Urim and Thummim, other witnesses recalled him using a single seer stone during the translation process. This video provides a comprehensive overview of the historical accounts and evidence surrounding Joseph Smith’s use of seer stones in translating the Book of Mormon.
By Todd Noall, Source Expert
Todd Noall is an author and religious scholar at Mormonism Explained with a focus on the history and theology of religion.
Fact Checked by Mr. Kevin Prince, Source Expert
Kevin Prince is a religious scholar and host of the Gospel Learning Youtube channel. His channel has garnered over 41,000 subscribers and accumulated over 4.5 million views. Mr. Prince also created the Gospel Learning App, a reliable platform where individuals seeking truth can access trustworthy answers to religious questions from top educators worldwide.
About Mormonism Explained
Mormonism Explained is a resource that was designed to provide objective and factual information about Mormonism, its history, doctrines, and policies. Our team of researchers consults experts and primary sources to present factual information on a variety of topics relevant to the Mormon Church.
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