Ozokerite is a naturally occurring, waxy hydrocarbon mineral often found filling veins in sedimentary rocks near petroleum deposits. It typically presents as a soft, translucent to opaque mass that feels greasy to the touch and can be molded by hand like modeling clay. Collectors look for its characteristic waxy luster and low density, as it is light enough to float on water.
Is this ozokerite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch ozokerite with a known reference. Ozokerite sits at Mohs 1 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ozokerite leaves a white to yellowish streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ozokerite typically shows a greasy luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, black, greenish.
- 5Look at form & habitTypical habit: massive, waxy, fibrous or foliated.
Often found alongside ozokerite
Minerals reported to co-occur with ozokerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CnH2n+2
- Mohs hardness
- 1
- Density
- 0.85-0.95 g/cm³
- Streak
- White to Yellowish
- Luster
- Greasy
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Waxy, Fibrous or Foliated
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector, Industrial, Lubricant, Wax Production
- Host rock
- Sedimentary Strata Associated with Oil and Gas Deposits
- Typical price
- $10-60 for small samples
Where rockhounds find ozokerite
2 mapped spotsClassic worldwide localities
- Boryslav, Ukraine
- Utah, USA
- Galicia, Poland
- Moldova
Field-hunting tip
Look in sedimentary strata associated with oil and gas deposits country — that is the host setting where ozokerite typically forms. If you start seeing petroleum, gypsum, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, waxy, fibrous or foliated habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Utah — start trip planning there.
Common questions
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Find ozokerite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
