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

4-5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareApatite Supergroup family

Parafiniukite

Hardness: 4-5
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this parafiniukite?

4-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 4-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark olive-green.
4
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. 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.

Beusite
mineral · Mohs 5

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₂Mn₃(PO₄)₃Cl
Mohs hardness: 4-5
Density: 3.614 g/cm³
Colors: Dark olive-green
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Tabular crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: alkaline igneous rocks

Where rockhounds find parafiniukite

Classic worldwide localities

Szklary LCT pegmatite, ~6 km north of Ząbkowice Śląskie, ~60 km south of Wrocław, Lower Silesia, Poland

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: alkaline igneous rocks. If you start seeing beusite, mn-oxide, smectite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify parafiniukite?+

Mohs hardness is 4-5. Luster: vitreous. Common colors include dark olive-green.

Where is parafiniukite found?+

Notable localities include Szklary LCT pegmatite, ~6 km north of Ząbkowice Śląskie, ~60 km south of Wrocław, Lower Silesia, Poland.

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 Beusite, Mn-oxide, Smectite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does parafiniukite form in?+

Where it forms: 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.