Goniatites are an extinct group of shelled cephalopods related to ammonites, known for their distinct zig-zag suture patterns on their coiled shells. They are typically found as internal molds or fossils within sedimentary layers, often displaying beautiful mineralized preservation such as pyritization. Look for them in marine shales and limestone formations dating back to the Devonian through the Permian periods.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Dull

Transparency

Opaque

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Goniatite

Also: Ammonoid

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Dull
Transparency: Opaque

Is this goniatite?

4-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 goniatite with a known reference. Goniatite sits at Mohs 3-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Name the organism
Decide what left the fossil before worrying about the rock. Organism: Ammonoid cephalopods (order Goniatitida). Age: Middle Devonian (about 390 million years ago) to the end of the Permian.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: dull.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: brown, gray, black, tan.

Often found alongside goniatite

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

All properties

Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 2.6-2.9 g/cm³
Colors: Brown Gray Black Tan
Luster: Dull
Transparency: Opaque
Rarity: Common
Uses: Collector, Decorative, Scientific
Host rock: sedimentary shale and limestone
Organism: Ammonoid cephalopods (order Goniatitida)
Age: Middle Devonian (about 390 million years ago) to the end of the Permian

Where rockhounds find goniatite

Classic worldwide localities

Morocco
USA
United Kingdom
Germany
Russia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: sedimentary shale and limestone. If you start seeing calcite, pyrite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground.

Common questions

How do you identify goniatite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. Organism: Ammonoid cephalopods (order Goniatitida). Luster: dull. Common colors include brown, gray, black, tan.

Where is goniatite found?+

Notable localities include Morocco; USA; United Kingdom; Germany; Russia.

What minerals are found with goniatite?+

Goniatite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Pyrite, Quartz, Barite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does goniatite form in?+

Where it forms: sedimentary shale and limestone. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is goniatite used for?+

Goniatite is used in collector, decorative, scientific.

Find goniatite on the map

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