Moganite is a polymorph of silica that occurs as a microcrystalline intergrowth within chalcedony and agate. It is difficult to distinguish from quartz without advanced laboratory methods like X-ray diffraction, often appearing as an inconspicuous grayish component of common chalcedony.
Is this mogánite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch mogánite with a known reference. Mogánite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mogánite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Mogánite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: gray, white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: microcrystalline aggregates.
Often confused with
Mogánite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside mogánite
Minerals reported to co-occur with mogánite. 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
- Density
- 2.64 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Microcrystalline Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Cavities
- Typical price
- $10-50 per specimen
Where rockhounds find mogánite
Classic worldwide localities
- Gran Canaria, Spain
- Brazil
- Czech Republic
- USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal cavities country — that is the host setting where mogánite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, chalcedony, opal in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microcrystalline aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find mogánite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
