Parafransoletite is a rare beryllium phosphate mineral that typically forms as delicate, acicular to fibrous white crystals. It is most commonly found as a secondary mineral in complex granite pegmatites, often associated with other rare phosphate species. Because of its rarity and fragile nature, it is highly sought after by advanced micromount collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Parafransoletite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this parafransoletite?

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

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside parafransoletite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₃Be₂(PO₄)₂(OH)₂·4H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 2.44 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Acicular Crystals, Radiated Sprays
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $100-500 depending on specimen quality

Where rockhounds find parafransoletite

Classic worldwide localities

Tip Top mine, South Dakota, USA
Sapucaia mine, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where parafransoletite typically forms. If you start seeing fransoletite, beryllonite, morinite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, radiated sprays habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify parafransoletite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is parafransoletite found?+

Notable localities include Tip Top mine, South Dakota, USA; Sapucaia mine, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

How much is parafransoletite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 depending on specimen quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like parafransoletite?+

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

What minerals are found with parafransoletite?+

Parafransoletite commonly co-occurs with Fransoletite, Beryllonite, Morinite, Hureaulite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does parafransoletite form in?+

Parafransoletite typically forms in granite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is parafransoletite used for?+

Parafransoletite is used in collector.

Find parafransoletite on the map

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