Silicified pine cones are fossils where the original organic material of the cone has been replaced by microcrystalline silica, typically chalcedony or agate. Collectors look for well-defined, distinct scales and an overall symmetrical, cone-shaped geometry. These are commonly found in sedimentary layers where mineral-rich groundwater has gradually permeated ancient forest floors.
Is this silicified pine cones?
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 cones with a known reference. Silicified Pine Cones 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 Cones leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Silicified Pine Cones 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 confused with
Silicified Pine Cones vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside silicified pine cones
Minerals reported to co-occur with silicified pine cones. 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
- Typical price
- $10-100 per specimen depending on detail
Where rockhounds find silicified pine cones
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 cones 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 cones photos
Common questions
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Find silicified pine cones on the map
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