Seidozerite is a rare zirconium-rich silicate mineral primarily found in agpaitic alkaline igneous rocks. It typically occurs as flattened, tabular crystals or lamellar aggregates with a distinct brownish-yellow hue and vitreous luster.
Is this seidozerite?
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 seidozerite with a known reference. Seidozerite sits at Mohs 4-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Seidozerite leaves a yellow-brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Seidozerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, red-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, lamellar masses.
Often confused with
Seidozerite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Seidozerite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4-5 vs. 2-3); streak differs, so Seidozerite leaves yellow-brown, Lamprophyllite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Seidozerite leaves yellow-brown, Baotite leaves white.
Often found alongside seidozerite
Minerals reported to co-occur with seidozerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₄MnTi₂Zr₂Si₄O₁₇(O,F)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 3.48 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellow-brown
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Lamellar Masses
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find seidozerite
Classic worldwide localities
- Lovozero Massif, Russia
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks, nepheline syenite pegmatites country, the host setting where seidozerite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, eudialyte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, lamellar masses habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify seidozerite?+
Where is seidozerite found?+
How much is seidozerite worth?+
What rocks look like seidozerite?+
What minerals are found with seidozerite?+
What kind of rock does seidozerite form in?+
What is seidozerite used for?+
Find seidozerite on the map
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