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.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareFeldspar Group family

Paracelsian

Hardness: 6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this paracelsian?

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 paracelsian with a known reference. Paracelsian sits at Mohs 6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Paracelsian leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Paracelsian typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal 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.

How to tell apart: Danburite is the harder of the two (Mohs 7-7.5 vs. 6).

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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
Colors: Colorless White Gray
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, 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

How do you identify paracelsian?+

Mohs hardness is 6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, gray.

Where is paracelsian found?+

Notable localities include Gisburn, England; Benallt mine, Wales; Franklin, New Jersey, USA; Khibiny Massif, Russia.

How much is paracelsian worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like paracelsian?+

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

What minerals are found with paracelsian?+

Paracelsian commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Albite, Muscovite, Baryte. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does paracelsian form in?+

Paracelsian typically forms in metamorphic manganese deposits and hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is paracelsian used for?+

Paracelsian is used in collector.

Find paracelsian on the map

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