Steigerite is a rare secondary vanadium mineral that typically forms as bright, lemon-yellow powdery coatings or encrustations on sandstone. It is most commonly found in the Colorado Plateau region of the United States, usually associated with other vanadate minerals.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Dull

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Steigerite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Dull
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Opaque

Is this steigerite?

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 steigerite with a known reference. Steigerite sits at Mohs 2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Steigerite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Steigerite typically shows a dull luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: bright yellow, lemon yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: powdery, earthy, massive, encrustations.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads dull on Steigerite and pearly on Tyuyamunite.

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Often found alongside steigerite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Al(VO₄)·3H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 2.7-3.2 g/cm³
Colors: Bright Yellow Lemon Yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Dull
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Powdery, Earthy, Massive, Encrustations
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Sedimentary Sandstone Deposits
Typical price: $20-150 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find steigerite

Classic worldwide localities

Paradox Valley, Colorado, USA
Montrose County, Colorado, USA
San Miguel County, Colorado, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary sandstone deposits country, the host setting where steigerite typically forms. If you start seeing carnotite, gypsum, sandstone in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a powdery, earthy, massive, encrustations habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify steigerite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a dull luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include bright yellow, lemon yellow.

Where is steigerite found?+

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

How much is steigerite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is steigerite 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. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like steigerite?+

Steigerite 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 steigerite?+

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

What kind of rock does steigerite form in?+

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

What is steigerite used for?+

Steigerite is used in collector.

Find steigerite on the map

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