An arrowhead is an anthropogenic artifact knapped from cryptocrystalline silica rock such as chert, flint, or obsidian. Collectors focus on the distinct stylistic flaking patterns used by indigenous cultures, which determine its historical and archaeological value.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Waxy

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

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Arrowhead

Also: Projectile points

Hardness: 6.5-7
Luster: Waxy
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

Is this arrowhead?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch arrowhead with a known reference. Arrowhead sits at Mohs 6.5-7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Arrowhead leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Arrowhead typically shows a waxy luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, gray, brown, black, tan.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: amorphous. Typical habit: flaked.

Often found alongside arrowhead

Minerals reported to co-occur with arrowhead. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: SiO₂
Mohs hardness: 6.5-7
Density: 2.6-2.7 g/cm³
Colors: White Gray Brown Black Tan
Streak: White
Luster: Waxy
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Amorphous
Crystal habit: Flaked
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Collector, Decorative

Where rockhounds find arrowhead

2 mapped spots

Classic worldwide localities

United States
Mexico
Canada
Western Europe

Field-hunting tip

If you start seeing chert, flint, obsidian in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a flaked habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Nebraska, Nevada. Start trip planning there.

Browse 2 U.S. spots for arrowhead →

More arrowhead photos

Common questions

How do you identify arrowhead?+

Mohs hardness is 6.5-7. It typically shows a waxy luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, gray, brown, black.

Where is arrowhead found?+

Notable localities include United States; Mexico; Canada; Western Europe.

Can I find arrowhead in the United States?+

RockHoundR maps 2 arrowhead rockhounding spots across 2 U.S. states. The top states are Nebraska, Nevada.

What minerals are found with arrowhead?+

Arrowhead commonly co-occurs with Chert, Flint, Obsidian, Quartzite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What is arrowhead used for?+

Arrowhead is used in collector, decorative.

Find arrowhead on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.