Mojaveite is a trade name for a variety of colorful, often banded or brecciated jasper found in the Mojave Desert region of the United States. It is popular among lapidary artists for its interesting patterns and ability to take a high polish when fashioned into cabochons.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Waxy

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralcommonQuartz family

Mojaveite

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

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Is this mojaveite?

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

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside mojaveite

Minerals reported to co-occur with mojaveite. 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: 2.65 g/cm³
Colors: Red Brown Tan Yellow Black
Streak: White
Luster: Waxy
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Lapidary, Collector
Host rock: Volcanic Rhyolite
Typical price: $5-50 for slabs and cabochons

Where rockhounds find mojaveite

Classic worldwide localities

Mojave Desert
California
Nevada

Field-hunting tip

Look in volcanic rhyolite country — that is the host setting where mojaveite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, chalcedony, hematite 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 mojaveite?+

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

Where is mojaveite found?+

Notable localities include Mojave Desert; California; Nevada.

How much is mojaveite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $5-50 for slabs and cabochons. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like mojaveite?+

Mojaveite is most often confused with Jasper, Agate. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with mojaveite?+

Mojaveite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Chalcedony, Hematite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does mojaveite form in?+

Mojaveite typically forms in volcanic rhyolite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is mojaveite used for?+

Mojaveite is used in lapidary, collector.

Find mojaveite on the map

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