Santarosaite is a rare copper vanadate mineral first discovered in the Santa Rosa mine in Chile. It typically forms as small, distinctive yellow-green tabular crystals in oxidized zones of copper deposits.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Pale Yellow

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Santarosaite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Pale Yellow
Transparency: Transparent

Is this santarosaite?

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 santarosaite with a known reference. Santarosaite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Santarosaite leaves a pale yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Santarosaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Volborthite

Mohs 3-3.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Santarosaite leaves pale yellow, Volborthite leaves yellowish-green.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Santarosaite leaves pale yellow, Mottramite leaves yellowish green; luster reads vitreous on Santarosaite and greasy on Mottramite.

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Often found alongside santarosaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CuV₂O₆
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 3.27 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellow-green
Streak: Pale Yellow
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Copper-vanadium Ore Deposits
Typical price: $100-500+ for micro-mounts and rare specimens

Where rockhounds find santarosaite

Classic worldwide localities

Santa Rosa mine, Atacama Region, Chile

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized copper-vanadium ore deposits country — that is the host setting where santarosaite typically forms. If you start seeing atacamite, chrysocolla, gypsum in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify santarosaite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is pale yellow. Common colors include yellow, yellow-green.

Where is santarosaite found?+

Notable localities include Santa Rosa mine, Atacama Region, Chile.

How much is santarosaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500+ for micro-mounts and rare specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is santarosaite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like santarosaite?+

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

What minerals are found with santarosaite?+

Santarosaite commonly co-occurs with Atacamite, Chrysocolla, Gypsum. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does santarosaite form in?+

Santarosaite typically forms in oxidized copper-vanadium ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is santarosaite used for?+

Santarosaite is used in collector.

Find santarosaite on the map

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