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, so Dewindtite leaves yellow, Autunite leaves pale yellow.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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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