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 — that is 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.

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.