ABOUT US

The Mozarkite Society was organized in February, 2000, and incorporated in April, 2000. The Mozarkite Society of Lincoln, Inc. is a member of the Midwest Federation of Mineralogical and Geological Societies which is a member of the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies. The Mozarkite Society of Lincoln, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to stimulate and promote interest in the study of lapidary, mineralogy and geology; to promote the lapidary arts and jewelry making; and preservation of mineral, fossil, and geological specimens and sites as well as their ecological surroundings.

The society promotes awareness of, and education on, Mozarkite so its members and general public may better appreciate Missouri’s state rock and its’ attributes.

How to Identify Mozarkite

What is Mozarkite?

Composition: Mozarkite is a form of chert, a cryptocrystalline quartz, which means it’s made up of tiny quartz crystals that give it a dense and hard texture.
Colors and Patterns: Mozarkite is known for its wide array of colors, including shades of pink, red, purple, green, gray, brown, and white. The rock often exhibits swirled patterns, bands, or blotches of these colors, which is a key characteristic in identifying it.

Where to Find Mozarkite in Missouri

Primary Location: Lincoln, Missouri, is one of the best-known places to find Mozarkite. The rock is typically found in the surrounding hills and creek beds. Look for areas where chert is common, as Mozarkite is a type of chert.
Surface Collection: Mozarkite can often be found on the surface, especially in areas where erosion has exposed rocks. Creek beds and road cuts are prime spots to search. Focus on areas with a lot of rock exposure.
Digging Sites: If you’re serious about collecting, you may want to dig in areas known for yielding Mozarkite. Always ensure you have permission to dig, especially if you’re on private property.

How to Identify Mozarkite

Color and Pattern: The most distinctive feature of Mozarkite is its vibrant colors and intricate patterns. If you find a rock with a mix of colors such as pinks, reds, and purples, with swirling or banded patterns, you might have found Mozarkite.
Texture: Mozarkite has a smooth, almost waxy texture when polished, but in its natural state, it will feel dense and smooth due to its quartz content. It may break with a conchoidal (shell-like) fracture, which is typical of chert.
Hardness: Mozarkite is very hard, ranking about 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, similar to quartz. You can test this by trying to scratch the rock with a steel nail or knife—if it doesn’t scratch easily, it’s likely Mozarkite.
Weight: Due to its quartz content, Mozarkite will be heavier than rocks like limestone. Picking up the rock should give you a sense of its density.

Tips for Collecting Mozarkite

Tools: Bring along a rock hammer and chisel if you plan to dig or split rocks. A small sledgehammer might be useful for breaking apart larger pieces.
Safety Gear: Wear safety glasses when breaking rocks to protect your eyes from flying shards.
Permission: Always ensure you have permission to collect rocks on private property. Public lands may have regulations or restrictions on rock collecting.
Weathering: Freshly exposed Mozarkite may show its true colors more vibrantly than weathered pieces, which can be duller.

Additional Resources

Missouri Geological Survey: They provide resources and maps that could help you identify good locations for collecting Mozarkite.
Local Rock Clubs: Joining a local rock club in Missouri could give you access to more experienced collectors and guided field trips.