A silicified pine cone is a fossil in which the cone's original organic material has been replaced by microcrystalline silica, typically chalcedony or agate. Look for well-defined, distinct scales and an overall symmetrical, cone-shaped geometry. It is found in sedimentary layers where mineral-rich groundwater has permeated an ancient forest floor.
Is this silicified pine cone?
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 pine cone with a known reference. Silicified Pine Cone 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 Pine Cone leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Silicified Pine Cone typically shows a waxy luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, tan, gray, white, black.
- 5Look at form & habitTypical habit: botryoidal.
Often found alongside silicified pine cone
Minerals reported to co-occur with silicified pine cone. 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
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal habit
- Botryoidal
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector, Lapidary, Decorative
- Host rock
- Sedimentary Deposits
Where rockhounds find silicified pine cone
1 mapped spotsClassic worldwide localities
- Oregon, USA
- Argentina
- Madagascar
- Washington, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in sedimentary deposits country, the host setting where silicified pine cone typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, chalcedony, agate in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a botryoidal habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Oregon. Start trip planning there.
More silicified pine cone photos
Common questions
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