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 — 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 — 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 — that is 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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