Paraershovite is an extremely rare silicate mineral typically found in the complex alkaline rocks of the Kola Peninsula in Russia. It appears as delicate yellow, platy crystals that are often difficult to distinguish from its close associate, ershovite, without chemical analysis or X-ray diffraction.
Is this paraershovite?
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 paraershovite with a known reference. Paraershovite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Paraershovite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Paraershovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, tabular aggregates.
Often confused with
Paraershovite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside paraershovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with paraershovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₃Na₈Ti₂Si₁₂O₃₀(OH,F)₄·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 2.44 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Tabular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hyperagpaitic Pegmatites in Alkaline Massifs
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find paraershovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hyperagpaitic pegmatites in alkaline massifs country — that is the host setting where paraershovite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, tabular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find paraershovite on the map
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