Mesaite is a rare vanadium mineral primarily known from the Colorado Plateau region. It typically appears as small, vibrant red to orange rhombohedral crystals lining fractures or cavities in sandstone, often associated with other secondary vanadium species.
Is this mesaite?
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 mesaite with a known reference. Mesaite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mesaite leaves a yellowish-orange streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Mesaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: red, reddish-orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals, sometimes forming crusts or radiating sprays.
Often confused with
Mesaite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Mesaite leaves yellowish-orange, Vanadinite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Mesaite and resinous on Vanadinite.
How to tell apart: Mesaite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3-4 vs. 2); streak differs — Mesaite leaves yellowish-orange, Carnotite leaves yellow; luster reads vitreous on Mesaite and dull on Carnotite.
Often found alongside mesaite
Minerals reported to co-occur with mesaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaMn₄(VO₄)₂(OH)₂·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 4.45 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish-orange
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Rhombohedral Crystals, Sometimes Forming Crusts or Radiating Sprays
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Sandstone Cavities
- Typical price
- $50-500 thumbnail depending on matrix quality
Where rockhounds find mesaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mexican Hat, Utah, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in sandstone cavities country — that is the host setting where mesaite typically forms. If you start seeing pascoite, montroseite, gypsum in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rhombohedral crystals, sometimes forming crusts or radiating sprays habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find mesaite on the map
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