Mastodon teeth are highly prized fossils characterized by their distinct, cone-shaped cusps used for crushing vegetation. They are frequently found in riverbeds or gravel pits where they have undergone mineral replacement or permineralization, resulting in a heavy, stony appearance.

Hardness

3-5

Mohs

Luster

Dull to Earthy

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

fossiluncommon

Mastodon Tooth

Also: fossil tooth

Hardness: 3-5
Luster: Dull to Earthy
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

Is this mastodon tooth?

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 mastodon tooth with a known reference. Mastodon Tooth sits at Mohs 3-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mastodon Tooth leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Mastodon Tooth typically shows a dull to earthy luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: brown, tan, black, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Typical habit: conical.

Often found alongside mastodon tooth

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

All properties

Mohs hardness: 3-5
Density: 2.0-2.8 g/cm³
Colors: Brown Tan Black Gray
Streak: White
Luster: Dull to Earthy
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal habit: Conical
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Collector, Paleontology, Display Specimen
Host rock: Fluvial Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 depending on size and preservation

Where rockhounds find mastodon tooth

Classic worldwide localities

Florida
South Carolina
North Carolina
Alaska
Siberia

Field-hunting tip

Look in fluvial deposits country, the host setting where mastodon tooth typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, quartz, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a conical habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

More mastodon tooth photos

Common questions

How do you identify mastodon tooth?+

Mohs hardness is 3-5. It typically shows a dull to earthy luster. The streak is white. Common colors include brown, tan, black, gray.

Where is mastodon tooth found?+

Notable localities include Florida; South Carolina; North Carolina; Alaska; Siberia.

How much is mastodon tooth worth?+

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

What minerals are found with mastodon tooth?+

Mastodon Tooth commonly co-occurs with calcite, quartz, pyrite, limonite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does mastodon tooth form in?+

Mastodon Tooth typically forms in fluvial deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is mastodon tooth used for?+

Mastodon Tooth is used in collector, paleontology, display specimen.

Find mastodon tooth on the map

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