Parafiniukite is a rare member of the apatite supergroup, primarily identified through its unique orthorhombic symmetry compared to the more common hexagonal apatites. It is typically found in hyperagpaitic pegmatites within alkaline massifs, often appearing as small, transparent to translucent tabular crystals. Because of its extreme rarity and very limited occurrence, it is a highly sought-after species for advanced mineral collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareApatite Supergroup family

Parafiniukite

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this parafiniukite?

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

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside parafiniukite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₂Na(PO₄)₂Cl
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 3.17 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $100-500+ for rare specimens

Where rockhounds find parafiniukite

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where parafiniukite typically forms. If you start seeing apatite, nepheline, k-feldspar in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify parafiniukite?+

Mohs hardness is 5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, pale yellow.

Where is parafiniukite found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is parafiniukite worth?+

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

What rocks look like parafiniukite?+

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

What minerals are found with parafiniukite?+

Parafiniukite commonly co-occurs with Apatite, Nepheline, K-feldspar, Eudialyte. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does parafiniukite form in?+

Parafiniukite typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is parafiniukite used for?+

Parafiniukite is used in collector.

Find parafiniukite on the map

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