Inorganic vanadium nanocrystals are identified in oil sands fluid petroleum coke.
Vanadium is present in distinct nanocrystals with silicon, oxygen, sulfur, and iron.
Nanocrystals embedded in carbon matrix are nearly spherical with crystal lattices.
Long-term fate of mineral vanadium nanocrystals in coke stockpiles may be modeled.
Efficient extraction methods can be developed to make a saleable vanadium product.