Levantite is a variety of chalcedony found predominantly in the Levant region, occurring typically as nodules or veins within limestone formations. It is favored by lapidaries for its sub-translucent appearance and is frequently identified by its waxy luster and lack of visible crystal structure under the naked eye.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Waxy

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralcommonChalcedony family

Levantite

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

Is this levantite?

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 levantite with a known reference. Levantite 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. Levantite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Levantite typically shows a waxy luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, gray, brown, yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: massive.

Often confused with

Levantite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Luster reads waxy on Levantite and vitreous on Opalite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads waxy on Levantite and vitreous on Quartzite.

Compare →

Often found alongside levantite

Minerals reported to co-occur with levantite. 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: 2.55-2.70 g/cm³
Colors: White Gray Brown Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Waxy
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Lapidary, Decorative
Host rock: Sedimentary Limestone
Typical price: $5-30 for specimens and cabochons

Where rockhounds find levantite

Classic worldwide localities

Israel
Palestine
Jordan
Syria

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary limestone country — that is the host setting where levantite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, dolomite, quartz 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.

Common questions

How do you identify levantite?+

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

Where is levantite found?+

Notable localities include Israel; Palestine; Jordan; Syria.

How much is levantite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $5-30 for specimens and cabochons. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like levantite?+

Levantite is most often confused with Flint Nodules, Opalite, Quartzite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with levantite?+

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

What kind of rock does levantite form in?+

Levantite typically forms in sedimentary limestone. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is levantite used for?+

Levantite is used in lapidary, decorative.

Find levantite on the map

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