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. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: pseudo orthorhombic.
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
- 3.29-3.32 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent to translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Pseudo orthorhombic
- Cleavage
- {110}, poor; (110) ^ (110) = 87°
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In a band through shales and sandstones, associated with a metamorphosed manganese deposit (Benallt mine, Wales)
Where rockhounds find paracelsian
Classic worldwide localities
- Candoglia, Valle d'Ossola, Piedmont, Italy
- Benallt mine, Rhiw, Lleyn Peninsula, Wales
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a band through shales and sandstones, associated with a metamorphosed manganese deposit (Benallt mine, Wales). If you start seeing celsian in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: pseudo orthorhombic. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify paracelsian?+
Where is paracelsian found?+
What rocks look like paracelsian?+
What minerals are found with paracelsian?+
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What is paracelsian used for?+
Find paracelsian on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
