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, 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.