Schindlerite is a rare secondary vanadium mineral typically found in sedimentary uranium-vanadium deposits in the Colorado Plateau. It is usually identified by its distinctive yellow-orange tabular crystals and strong association with other vanadium-bearing minerals in sandstones.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Resinous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Schindlerite

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

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Is this schindlerite?

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 schindlerite with a known reference. Schindlerite 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. Schindlerite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Schindlerite typically shows a resinous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Carnotite

Mohs 2

How to tell apart: Luster reads resinous on Schindlerite and dull on Carnotite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads resinous on Schindlerite and pearly on Tyuyamunite.

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Often found alongside schindlerite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₂V₆O₁₅·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 4.15 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-orange
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Resinous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Sedimentary Sandstone
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find schindlerite

Classic worldwide localities

Colorado, USA
Utah, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary sandstone country, the host setting where schindlerite typically forms. If you start seeing carnotite, gypsum, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify schindlerite?+

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

Where is schindlerite found?+

Notable localities include Colorado, USA; Utah, USA.

How much is schindlerite 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 schindlerite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains vanadium, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust during specimen preparation. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like schindlerite?+

Schindlerite 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 schindlerite?+

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

What kind of rock does schindlerite form in?+

Schindlerite typically forms in sedimentary sandstone. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is schindlerite used for?+

Schindlerite is used in collector.

Find schindlerite on the map

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