Parakuzmenkoite-Fe is a rare member of the complex labuntsovite group, typically found in agpaitic alkaline pegmatites. It occurs as small, brownish, prismatic crystals often nestled within cavities of host rocks. Identification usually requires X-ray diffraction or chemical analysis due to the similarity between other members of its complex mineral group.
Is this parakuzmenkoite-fe?
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 parakuzmenkoite-fe with a known reference. Parakuzmenkoite-Fe sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: orange, reddish orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic.
Often confused with
Parakuzmenkoite-Fe vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside parakuzmenkoite-fe
Minerals reported to co-occur with parakuzmenkoite-fe. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (K,Ba)₈Fe₄Ti₁₆(Si₄O₁₂)₈(OH,O)₁₆·20-28H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 3 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic
- Cleavage
- Imperfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline pegmatite
Where rockhounds find parakuzmenkoite-fe
Classic worldwide localities
- Lovozero massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Alkaline pegmatite. If you start seeing microcline, aegirine, arfvedsonite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify parakuzmenkoite-fe?+
Where is parakuzmenkoite-fe found?+
What rocks look like parakuzmenkoite-fe?+
What minerals are found with parakuzmenkoite-fe?+
What kind of rock does parakuzmenkoite-fe form in?+
What is parakuzmenkoite-fe used for?+
Find parakuzmenkoite-fe on the map
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