Morrisonite is a highly prized variety of jasper renowned for its intricate, painterly patterns and soft pastel color palette. It is found exclusively in the Owyhee region of the western United States and is considered one of the finest jaspers in the world for lapidary work. Collectors look for its characteristic swirling inclusions and high-contrast, multi-colored banding.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Waxy

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralcommonChalcedony family

Morrisonite

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

Is this morrisonite?

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

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside morrisonite

Minerals reported to co-occur with morrisonite. 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: 2.6 g/cm³
Colors: Pink Tan Orange Yellow Brown Cream
Streak: White
Luster: Waxy
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Lapidary, Collector, Decorative
Host rock: Rhyolitic Volcanic Deposits
Typical price: $10-100 per pound of rough, variable for polished slabs

Where rockhounds find morrisonite

Classic worldwide localities

Owyhee County, Oregon
Idaho border region

Field-hunting tip

Look in rhyolitic volcanic deposits country — that is the host setting where morrisonite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, chalcedony 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 morrisonite?+

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

Where is morrisonite found?+

Notable localities include Owyhee County, Oregon; Idaho border region.

How much is morrisonite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $10-100 per pound of rough, variable for polished slabs. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like morrisonite?+

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

What minerals are found with morrisonite?+

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

What kind of rock does morrisonite form in?+

Morrisonite typically forms in rhyolitic volcanic deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is morrisonite used for?+

Morrisonite is used in lapidary, collector, decorative.

Find morrisonite on the map

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