Sedovite is a rare secondary uranium molybdate mineral that typically forms as soft, powdery crusts in the oxidation zones of uranium-molybdenum deposits. Because of its extremely small grain size and earthy appearance, it is difficult to identify in the field and is primarily of interest to systematic mineral collectors.
Is this sedovite?
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 sedovite with a known reference. Sedovite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Sedovite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Sedovite typically shows a dull luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, light yellow, whitish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: powdery, earthy crusts, microcrystalline aggregates.
Often confused with
Sedovite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside sedovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with sedovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- U(MoO₄)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 4.6-4.8 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Dull
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Powdery, Earthy Crusts, Microcrystalline Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Uranium-molybdenum Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-200 for small research-grade specimens
Where rockhounds find sedovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Russia
- Kazakhstan
- USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of uranium-molybdenum deposits country — that is the host setting where sedovite typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, molybdenite, coffinite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a powdery, earthy crusts, microcrystalline aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify sedovite?+
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How much is sedovite worth?+
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What rocks look like sedovite?+
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Find sedovite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
