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, 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.