Okieite is a localized term for a variety of silicified wood or chert-like material found primarily in Oklahoma. It is known for its earthy, warm color palette and is highly favored by local lapidaries for its ability to take a smooth, waxy polish.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Waxy

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralcommonQuartz family

Okieite

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

No image

Is this okieite?

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

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside okieite

Minerals reported to co-occur with okieite. 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: Yellow Brown Orange Tan
Streak: White
Luster: Waxy
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Lapidary, Collector
Host rock: Sedimentary Strata
Typical price: $5-30 per piece

Where rockhounds find okieite

Classic worldwide localities

Oklahoma
USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary strata country, the host setting where okieite 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.

Common questions

How do you identify okieite?+

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

Where is okieite found?+

Notable localities include Oklahoma; USA.

How much is okieite worth?+

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

What rocks look like okieite?+

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

What minerals are found with okieite?+

Okieite 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 okieite form in?+

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

What is okieite used for?+

Okieite is used in lapidary, collector.

Find okieite on the map

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