Mozarkite is a colorful, silicified chert found primarily in Missouri, often characterized by intricate banding and swirling patterns. It is highly sought after by lapidary enthusiasts for its ability to take a high polish and its vibrant red, pink, and white color combinations.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Waxy

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralcommonQuartz family

Mozarkite

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

Is this mozarkite?

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

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside mozarkite

Minerals reported to co-occur with mozarkite. 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: Red Pink White Gray Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Waxy
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Lapidary, Collector, Decorative
Host rock: Sedimentary
Typical price: $5-50 for slabs and rough specimens

Where rockhounds find mozarkite

2 mapped spots

Classic worldwide localities

Benton County, Missouri USA
Lincoln, Missouri USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary country — that is the host setting where mozarkite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, calcite, dolomite 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. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Missouri — start trip planning there.

Browse 2 U.S. spots for mozarkite →

Common questions

How do you identify mozarkite?+

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

Where is mozarkite found?+

Notable localities include Benton County, Missouri USA; Lincoln, Missouri USA.

Can I find mozarkite in the United States?+

RockHoundR maps 2 mozarkite rockhounding spots across 1 U.S. states — the top states are Missouri.

How much is mozarkite worth?+

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

What rocks look like mozarkite?+

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

What minerals are found with mozarkite?+

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

What kind of rock does mozarkite form in?+

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

What is mozarkite used for?+

Mozarkite is used in lapidary, collector, decorative.

Find mozarkite on the map

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