Schoderite is an exceptionally rare aluminum phosphate mineral typically found as thin, platy orange-to-yellow crystals. It is primarily known from phosphate-rich nodules in the sedimentary deposits of Eden Valley, Wyoming, where it often forms delicate radial clusters.
Is this schoderite?
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 schoderite with a known reference. Schoderite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Schoderite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Schoderite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: orange, yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Schoderite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Vauxite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2); streak differs, so Schoderite leaves yellow, Vauxite leaves white; luster reads pearly on Schoderite and vitreous on Vauxite.
How to tell apart: Paravauxite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3 vs. 2); streak differs, so Schoderite leaves yellow, Paravauxite leaves white; luster reads pearly on Schoderite and vitreous on Paravauxite.
Often found alongside schoderite
Minerals reported to co-occur with schoderite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Al₂P₂O₈·8H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.22 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Phosphate Nodules in Sedimentary Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find schoderite
Classic worldwide localities
- Eden Valley, Wyoming, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in phosphate nodules in sedimentary rocks country, the host setting where schoderite typically forms. If you start seeing variscite, millisite, wardite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find schoderite on the map
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