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, 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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