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 — that is 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.