Moqui Marbles are naturally occurring iron oxide concretions found in the Navajo Sandstone formation. They typically appear as spherical to disc-shaped brown balls with a hard outer shell of hematite and a soft interior of sandstone, formed through ground water mineral precipitation.

Hardness

5.5-6.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Reddish-brown

Transparency

Opaque

mineralcommon

Moqui Marbles

Also: Shaman Stones, Moki Marbles, Navajo Berries

Hardness: 5.5-6.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Reddish-brown
Transparency: Opaque

Is this moqui marbles?

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 moqui marbles with a known reference. Moqui Marbles sits at Mohs 5.5-6.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Moqui Marbles leaves a reddish-brown streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Moqui Marbles typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: brown, reddish-brown, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: spherical concretions.

Often found alongside moqui marbles

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Fe₂O₃
Mohs hardness: 5.5-6.5
Density: 4.5-5.2 g/cm³
Colors: Brown Reddish-brown Black
Streak: Reddish-brown
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Spherical Concretions
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Collector, Metaphysical
Host rock: Sedimentary Sandstone
Typical price: $5-30 per pair

Where rockhounds find moqui marbles

Classic worldwide localities

Navajo Sandstone, Utah, USA
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary sandstone country, the host setting where moqui marbles typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, sandstone in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a spherical concretions habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify moqui marbles?+

Mohs hardness is 5.5-6.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is reddish-brown. Common colors include brown, reddish-brown, black.

Where is moqui marbles found?+

Notable localities include Navajo Sandstone, Utah, USA; Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, USA.

How much is moqui marbles worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $5-30 per pair. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What minerals are found with moqui marbles?+

Moqui Marbles commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Sandstone. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does moqui marbles form in?+

Moqui Marbles typically forms in sedimentary sandstone. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is moqui marbles used for?+

Moqui Marbles is used in collector, metaphysical.

Find moqui marbles on the map

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