Paqueite is an extremely rare calcium titanium silicate mineral originally identified in the volcanic ejecta of the Colli Albani region in Italy. It typically forms small, tabular tetragonal crystals and is highly prized by advanced mineral collectors due to its limited geological occurrence.
Is this paqueite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch paqueite with a known reference. Paqueite sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Paqueite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Paqueite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Paqueite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside paqueite
Minerals reported to co-occur with paqueite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₃TiSi₂O₉
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 3.17 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Ejecta in Volcanic Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen quality
Where rockhounds find paqueite
Classic worldwide localities
- Italy
Field-hunting tip
Look in ejecta in volcanic rocks country — that is the host setting where paqueite typically forms. If you start seeing melilite, perovskite, gehlenite 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
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Find paqueite on the map
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