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 — that is 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?+
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Find parakeldyshite on the map
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