Silicified Mastodon tusks consist of ancient organic material replaced atom-by-atom by chalcedony over geological time. Collectors look for the distinct ivory-like internal growth rings or cross-hatched Schreger lines that confirm its biological origin. These pieces are highly prized for both their paleontological significance and their ability to take a high polish when cut by lapidary artists.
Is this silicified mastodon tusks?
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 silicified mastodon tusks with a known reference. Silicified Mastodon Tusks sits at Mohs 6.5-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Silicified Mastodon Tusks leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Silicified Mastodon Tusks typically shows a waxy to vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, cream, tan, brown, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitTypical habit: massive pseudomorph.
Often confused with
Silicified Mastodon Tusks vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside silicified mastodon tusks
Minerals reported to co-occur with silicified mastodon tusks. 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
- 2.6-2.7 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Waxy to Vitreous
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal habit
- Massive Pseudomorph
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Lapidary
- Host rock
- River Gravels, Pleistocene Alluvial Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 fragment, $1000+ for intact sections
Where rockhounds find silicified mastodon tusks
1 mapped spotsClassic worldwide localities
- Florida
- South Carolina
- Alaska
- Siberia
Field-hunting tip
Look in river gravels, pleistocene alluvial deposits country — that is the host setting where silicified mastodon tusks typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, chalcedony, goethite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive pseudomorph habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Nebraska — start trip planning there.
Common questions
How do you identify silicified mastodon tusks?+
Where is silicified mastodon tusks found?+
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Find silicified mastodon tusks on the map
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