Paralabuntsovite-Mg is a rare member of the Labuntsovite group found primarily in alkaline rock complexes. It typically presents as small, honey-yellow to brownish prismatic crystals tucked within cavities of pegmatites. Collectors look for these crystals alongside other rare-earth minerals in the complex alkaline massifs of the Kola Peninsula.
Is this paralabuntsovite-mg?
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 paralabuntsovite-mg with a known reference. Paralabuntsovite-Mg sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Paralabuntsovite-Mg leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Paralabuntsovite-Mg typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, orange, brown, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, spray-like aggregates.
Often confused with
Paralabuntsovite-Mg vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside paralabuntsovite-mg
Minerals reported to co-occur with paralabuntsovite-mg. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (K,Ba,Na,H₃O)₄(Ti,Nb)₄(Si₄O₁₂)₂(O,OH)₄·5H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 2.8-3.0 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Spray-like Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Distinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find paralabuntsovite-mg
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where paralabuntsovite-mg typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, spray-like aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify paralabuntsovite-mg?+
Where is paralabuntsovite-mg found?+
How much is paralabuntsovite-mg worth?+
What rocks look like paralabuntsovite-mg?+
What minerals are found with paralabuntsovite-mg?+
What kind of rock does paralabuntsovite-mg form in?+
What is paralabuntsovite-mg used for?+
Find paralabuntsovite-mg on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
