Paralomonosovite is a complex sodium titanium silicate phosphate found primarily in alkaline complexes like the Lovozero Massif. It typically forms tabular crystals or lamellar masses that are visually very similar to lomonosovite, often requiring X-ray diffraction to distinguish. It is primarily sought after by advanced mineral collectors of rare alkaline accessory minerals.
Is this paralomonosovite?
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 paralomonosovite with a known reference. Paralomonosovite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Paralomonosovite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Paralomonosovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, yellowish-brown, reddish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, lamellar.
Often confused with
Paralomonosovite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside paralomonosovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with paralomonosovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₈Ti₄Si₄O₁₈(PO₄)(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 2.9-3.0 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive, Lamellar
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Nepheline Syenites, Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find paralomonosovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks, nepheline syenites, pegmatites country — that is the host setting where paralomonosovite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, lamellar habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify paralomonosovite?+
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How much is paralomonosovite worth?+
What rocks look like paralomonosovite?+
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Find paralomonosovite on the map
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