Fossilized ivory consists of the preserved tusks of extinct megafauna like mammoths or mastodons found primarily in arctic permafrost. It is distinguished from modern ivory by the presence of Schreger lines, which form a specific cross-hatch pattern when viewed in cross-section. It is highly valued for intricate carving and lapidary work by collectors.

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Luster

Dull to Waxy

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

fossiluncommon

Fossilized Ivory

Also: Mammoth Ivory, Mastodon Ivory

Hardness: 2.5-3
Luster: Dull to Waxy
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

Is this fossilized ivory?

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 fossilized ivory with a known reference. Fossilized Ivory sits at Mohs 2.5-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Fossilized Ivory leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Fossilized Ivory typically shows a dull to waxy luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, cream, yellow, brown, tan.
5
Look at form & habit
Typical habit: massive.

Often found alongside fossilized ivory

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

Vivianite
mineral · Mohs 1.5-2

All properties

Mohs hardness: 2.5-3
Density: 1.7-2.0 g/cm³
Colors: White Cream Yellow Brown Tan
Streak: White
Luster: Dull to Waxy
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal habit: Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Lapidary, Collector, Decorative
Host rock: Permafrost
Typical price: $50-500 per piece depending on size and quality

Where rockhounds find fossilized ivory

4 mapped spots

Classic worldwide localities

Siberia
Alaska
Yukon
North Sea

Field-hunting tip

Look in permafrost country — that is the host setting where fossilized ivory typically forms. If you start seeing vivianite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Florida — start trip planning there.

Browse 4 U.S. spots for fossilized ivory →

Common questions

How do you identify fossilized ivory?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-3. It typically shows a dull to waxy luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, cream, yellow, brown.

Where is fossilized ivory found?+

Notable localities include Siberia; Alaska; Yukon; North Sea.

Can I find fossilized ivory in the United States?+

RockHoundR maps 4 fossilized ivory rockhounding spots across 1 U.S. states — the top states are Florida.

How much is fossilized ivory worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 per piece depending on size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What minerals are found with fossilized ivory?+

Fossilized Ivory commonly co-occurs with Vivianite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does fossilized ivory form in?+

Fossilized Ivory typically forms in permafrost. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is fossilized ivory used for?+

Fossilized Ivory is used in lapidary, collector, decorative.

Find fossilized ivory on the map

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