Engelhauptite is a very rare potassium vanadate mineral that occurs as tiny, thin hexagonal plates. It is primarily found in the secondary oxidation zones of vanadium-bearing sandstone deposits, often requiring microscopic study for positive identification.
Is this engelhauptite?
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 engelhauptite with a known reference. Engelhauptite 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. Engelhauptite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Engelhauptite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: platy crystals.
Often confused with
Engelhauptite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Engelhauptite leaves yellow, Vanadinite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Engelhauptite and resinous on Vanadinite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Engelhauptite leaves yellow, Descloizite leaves orange to brownish-red; luster reads vitreous on Engelhauptite and greasy to adamantine on Descloizite.
Often found alongside engelhauptite
Minerals reported to co-occur with engelhauptite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K(V,V,As)₂O₇
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 3.32 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Sandstone
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find engelhauptite
Classic worldwide localities
- Repete mine, Utah, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in sandstone country — that is the host setting where engelhauptite typically forms. If you start seeing gypsum, quartz, uranium minerals in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find engelhauptite on the map
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