Parakeldyshite is a rare sodium zirconium silicate mineral typically found in complex alkaline igneous rocks. Collectors primarily seek it from the classic pegmatite localities of the Kola Peninsula and Mont Saint-Hilaire, where it occurs as small, glassy tabular crystals.
Is this parakeldyshite?
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 parakeldyshite with a known reference. Parakeldyshite sits at Mohs 5.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Parakeldyshite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Parakeldyshite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pinkish, tan.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Parakeldyshite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside parakeldyshite
Minerals reported to co-occur with parakeldyshite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂ZrSi₂O₇
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5
- Density
- 3.47 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- Perfect in One Direction
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Research
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites and Nepheline Syenites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find parakeldyshite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites and nepheline syenites country, the host setting where parakeldyshite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, eudialyte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify parakeldyshite?+
Where is parakeldyshite found?+
How much is parakeldyshite worth?+
What rocks look like parakeldyshite?+
What minerals are found with parakeldyshite?+
What kind of rock does parakeldyshite form in?+
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Find parakeldyshite on the map
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