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 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: red brown.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: submetallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, reddish brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular, aggregates, radial.
Often confused with
Sedovite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Sedovite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 2); streak differs, so Sedovite leaves red brown, Umohoite leaves blue gray; luster reads submetallic on Sedovite and vitreous on Umohoite.
How to tell apart: Ilsemannite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5.5-6 vs. 3); streak differs, so Sedovite leaves red brown, Ilsemannite leaves pale blue; luster reads submetallic on Sedovite and dull on Ilsemannite.
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
- 3
- Density
- 4.2 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Red brown
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Translucent, nearly opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular, aggregates, radial
- Cleavage
- Good
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A rare secondary mineral formed in the oxidized zone of a U–Mo deposit
Where rockhounds find sedovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kyzylsai Mo–U deposit, Chu-Ili Mountains, southwestern Balkhash region, Kazakhstan
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A rare secondary mineral formed in the oxidized zone of a U–Mo deposit. If you start seeing uraninite, gypsum, iriginite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: acicular, aggregates, radial. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify sedovite?+
Where is sedovite found?+
Is sedovite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like sedovite?+
What minerals are found with sedovite?+
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What is sedovite used for?+
Find sedovite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
