Para-alumohydrocalcite is a rare carbonate mineral found in hydrothermal environments and specific sedimentary formations. It typically occurs as delicate radial aggregates or crusts associated with other carbonate species. Due to its scarcity and similarity to other white hydrous carbonates, it is primarily a target for specialized mineral collectors.
Is this para-alumohydrocalcite?
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 para-alumohydrocalcite with a known reference. Para-alumohydrocalcite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Para-alumohydrocalcite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Para-alumohydrocalcite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: radial aggregates, crusts, prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Para-alumohydrocalcite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Alumohydrocalcite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4 vs. 3); luster reads vitreous on Para-alumohydrocalcite and pearly on Alumohydrocalcite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Para-alumohydrocalcite and pearly on Hydromagnesite.
Often found alongside para-alumohydrocalcite
Minerals reported to co-occur with para-alumohydrocalcite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaAl₂(CO₃)₂(OH)₄·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 2.26 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Radial Aggregates, Crusts, Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins, Sedimentary Rocks
- Typical price
- $20-150 per specimen
Where rockhounds find para-alumohydrocalcite
Classic worldwide localities
- Russia
- Czech Republic
- Hungary
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins, sedimentary rocks country — that is the host setting where para-alumohydrocalcite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, gibbsite, dawsonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a radial aggregates, crusts, prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify para-alumohydrocalcite?+
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What rocks look like para-alumohydrocalcite?+
What minerals are found with para-alumohydrocalcite?+
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Find para-alumohydrocalcite on the map
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