Rakovanite is a rare hydrated sodium-vanadium polyoxometalate typically found as crusts or small tabular crystals in oxidation zones of vanadium-bearing sandstone deposits. Collectors should look for its distinctive deep red color within the clayey matrices of Colorado Plateau mines. Due to its solubility and sensitivity to hydration changes, it requires careful storage in a dry environment.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Yellow-orange

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Rakovanite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Yellow-orange
Transparency: Translucent

Is this rakovanite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch rakovanite with a known reference. Rakovanite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Rakovanite leaves a yellow-orange streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Rakovanite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark red, reddish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crusts.

Often confused with

Rakovanite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Pascoite

Mohs 2

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Rakovanite leaves yellow-orange, Pascoite leaves yellow.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Rakovanite leaves yellow-orange, Hummerite leaves yellow.

Compare →

Often found alongside rakovanite

Minerals reported to co-occur with rakovanite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₃[H₃V₁₀O₂₈]·15H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 2.4 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Red Reddish-brown
Streak: Yellow-orange
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Crusts
Cleavage: None Observed
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Sandstone Hosted Uranium-vanadium Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find rakovanite

Classic worldwide localities

Paradox Valley, Colorado, USA
Montrose County, Colorado, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in sandstone hosted uranium-vanadium deposits country — that is the host setting where rakovanite typically forms. If you start seeing pascoite, gypsum, carnotite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify rakovanite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is yellow-orange. Common colors include dark red, reddish-brown.

Where is rakovanite found?+

Notable localities include Paradox Valley, Colorado, USA; Montrose County, Colorado, USA.

How much is rakovanite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is rakovanite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains vanadium which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust; wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like rakovanite?+

Rakovanite is most often confused with Pascoite, Hummerite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with rakovanite?+

Rakovanite commonly co-occurs with Pascoite, Gypsum, Carnotite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does rakovanite form in?+

Rakovanite typically forms in sandstone hosted uranium-vanadium deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is rakovanite used for?+

Rakovanite is used in collector.

Find rakovanite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.