Paracelsian is a rare barium aluminosilicate that belongs to the feldspar group. It is typically found in manganese-rich deposits or metamorphic environments, often forming small, clear to white tabular crystals that require careful examination to distinguish from more common feldspars.
Is this paracelsian?
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 paracelsian with a known reference. Paracelsian sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Paracelsian leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Paracelsian typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, granular.
Often confused with
Paracelsian vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside paracelsian
Minerals reported to co-occur with paracelsian. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- BaAl₂Si₂O₈
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 3.31 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Granular
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {001} and {110}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Manganese Deposits and Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find paracelsian
Classic worldwide localities
- Gisburn, England
- Benallt mine, Wales
- Franklin, New Jersey, USA
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic manganese deposits and hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where paracelsian typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, albite, muscovite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find paracelsian on the map
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