Satpaevite is a rare aluminum vanadium oxide mineral typically occurring as delicate yellow, radiating fibrous or acicular crusts. It is primarily found in the oxidized zones of sandstone-hosted uranium-vanadium deposits, often requiring magnification for clear identification of its crystal form.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Satpaevite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Pearly
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

Is this satpaevite?

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 satpaevite with a known reference. Satpaevite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Satpaevite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Satpaevite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-orange.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: fibrous, acicular, radiating aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Carnotite

Mohs 2

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Satpaevite and dull on Carnotite.

Often found alongside satpaevite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Al₁₂V₆O₃₇·30H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 3.37 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellow-orange
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Fibrous, Acicular, Radiating Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Sedimentary Sandstone Uranium-vanadium Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find satpaevite

Classic worldwide localities

Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan
Colorado Plateau, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary sandstone uranium-vanadium deposits country — that is the host setting where satpaevite typically forms. If you start seeing vanadium minerals, calcite, gypsum in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a fibrous, acicular, radiating aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify satpaevite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, yellow-orange.

Where is satpaevite found?+

Notable localities include Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan; Colorado Plateau, USA.

How much is satpaevite 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.

What rocks look like satpaevite?+

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

What minerals are found with satpaevite?+

Satpaevite commonly co-occurs with Vanadium minerals, Calcite, Gypsum. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does satpaevite form in?+

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

What is satpaevite used for?+

Satpaevite is used in collector.

Find satpaevite on the map

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