Dewindtite is a secondary uranium phosphate mineral that typically forms as bright yellow, thin platy crystals or powdery crusts. It is most commonly found in the oxidized zones of uranium-rich hydrothermal deposits where lead is present. Due to its high radioactivity and toxicity, it is strictly a specimen for experienced collectors who follow proper safety protocols.
Is this dewindtite?
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 dewindtite with a known reference. Dewindtite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Dewindtite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Dewindtite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: canary yellow, lemon yellow, golden yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, micaceous aggregates, crusts.
Often confused with
Dewindtite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Dewindtite leaves yellow, Autunite leaves pale yellow.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Dewindtite leaves yellow, Torbernite leaves pale green; luster reads pearly on Dewindtite and vitreous on Torbernite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Dewindtite and earthy on Phosphuranylite.
Often found alongside dewindtite
Minerals reported to co-occur with dewindtite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₃(UO₂)₆(PO₄)₄O₂(OH)₂·12H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 4.1 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Micaceous Aggregates, Crusts
- Cleavage
- Perfect in One Direction
- Fluorescence
- Strong Green Under SW UV
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Uranium Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find dewindtite
Classic worldwide localities
- Shinkolobwe Mine, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Liauzun Mine, France
- Margnac Mine, France
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of uranium deposits country — that is the host setting where dewindtite typically forms. If you start seeing torbernite, autunite, parsonsite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, micaceous aggregates, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find dewindtite on the map
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