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.
Is this fossilized ivory?
4-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry 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.
- 2Name the organismDecide what left the fossil before worrying about the rock. Organism: Tusks of extinct elephantids such as mammoths (genus Mammuthus).
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: dull to waxy.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, cream, yellow, brown, tan.
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.
All properties
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5-3
- Density
- 1.7-2.0 g/cm³
- Luster
- Dull to waxy
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Lapidary, Collector, Decorative
- Host rock
- permafrost
- Organism
- Tusks of extinct elephantids such as mammoths (genus Mammuthus)
Where rockhounds find fossilized ivory
4 mapped spotsClassic worldwide localities
- Siberia
- Alaska
- Yukon
- North Sea
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: permafrost. If you start seeing vivianite in float, you are in the right ground. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Florida. Start trip planning there.
Common questions
How do you identify fossilized ivory?+
Where is fossilized ivory found?+
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What minerals are found with fossilized ivory?+
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Find fossilized ivory on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
