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 — Seidozerite leaves yellow-brown, Lamprophyllite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — 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 — that is 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?+
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Find seidozerite on the map
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