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, 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.
