Arrowheads are anthropogenic artifacts crafted from cryptocrystalline silica rocks like chert, flint, or obsidian through the process of knapping. Collectors focus on identifying the distinct stylistic flaking patterns used by indigenous cultures to determine their historical and archaeological value.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Waxy

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

fossilcommon

Arrowheads

Also: Projectile points

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

Is this arrowheads?

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 arrowheads with a known reference. Arrowheads 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. Arrowheads leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Arrowheads 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 arrowheads

Minerals reported to co-occur with arrowheads. 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
Host rock: N/A
Typical price: $5-100 per piece depending on age and provenance

Where rockhounds find arrowheads

2 mapped spots

Classic worldwide localities

United States
Mexico
Canada
Western Europe

Field-hunting tip

Look in n/a country — that is the host setting where arrowheads typically forms. 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 arrowheads →

Common questions

How do you identify arrowheads?+

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 arrowheads found?+

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

Can I find arrowheads in the United States?+

RockHoundR maps 2 arrowheads rockhounding spots across 2 U.S. states — the top states are Nebraska, Nevada.

How much is arrowheads worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $5-100 per piece depending on age and provenance. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What minerals are found with arrowheads?+

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

What kind of rock does arrowheads form in?+

Arrowheads typically forms in n/a. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is arrowheads used for?+

Arrowheads is used in collector, decorative.

Find arrowheads on the map

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