Paranatisite is an extremely rare silicate mineral found primarily within the complex alkaline massifs of the Kola Peninsula. It typically occurs as small, flattened tabular crystals associated with other titanium-rich minerals in nepheline syenite environments. Due to its limited occurrence and specific geological requirements, it remains a highly sought-after species for advanced mineral collectors.
Is this paranatisite?
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 paranatisite with a known reference. Paranatisite 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. Paranatisite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Paranatisite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Paranatisite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside paranatisite
Minerals reported to co-occur with paranatisite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂TiSiO₅
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 3.31 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find paranatisite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where paranatisite typically forms. If you start seeing natisite, aegirine, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find paranatisite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
