Kokinosite is a rare vanadium-bearing mineral typically found as thin, orange to yellow platy coatings or small crusts on sandstone. It is most commonly associated with secondary uranium-vanadium mineral deposits found in the Colorado Plateau region of the United States.
Is this kokinosite?
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 kokinosite with a known reference. Kokinosite 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. Kokinosite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kokinosite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: orange, yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts.
Often confused with
Kokinosite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kokinosite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kokinosite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂V₁₀O₂₄·9H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 3.37 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Crusts
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Sedimentary Sandstone Uranium-vanadium Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find kokinosite
Classic worldwide localities
- Paradox Valley, Colorado, USA
- Grand County, Utah, USA
- San Juan County, Utah, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in sedimentary sandstone uranium-vanadium deposits country — that is the host setting where kokinosite typically forms. If you start seeing gypsum, carnotite, tyuyamunite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find kokinosite on the map
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