Paraberzeliite is a rare arsenate mineral belonging to the garnet group, primarily found in the metamorphosed iron-manganese deposits of Långban, Sweden. It typically occurs as small, yellowish dodecahedral crystals that closely resemble other members of the garnet group but can be distinguished by its specific chemical composition and locality.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareGarnet Group family

Paraberzeliite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this paraberzeliite?

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 paraberzeliite with a known reference. Paraberzeliite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Paraberzeliite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Paraberzeliite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: dodecahedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside paraberzeliite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaCaMg₂As₃O₁₂
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 4.55 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Dodecahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphosed Manganese Ore Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 for small specimens

Where rockhounds find paraberzeliite

Classic worldwide localities

Långban, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed manganese ore deposits country — that is the host setting where paraberzeliite typically forms. If you start seeing berzeliite, hausmannite, dolomite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a dodecahedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify paraberzeliite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-brown.

Where is paraberzeliite found?+

Notable localities include Långban, Sweden.

How much is paraberzeliite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 for small specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is paraberzeliite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, which is toxic if inhaled or ingested; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like paraberzeliite?+

Paraberzeliite is most often confused with Berzeliite, Garnet. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with paraberzeliite?+

Paraberzeliite commonly co-occurs with Berzeliite, Hausmannite, Dolomite, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does paraberzeliite form in?+

Paraberzeliite typically forms in metamorphosed manganese ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is paraberzeliite used for?+

Paraberzeliite is used in collector.

Find paraberzeliite on the map

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