Paranatrolite is a rare zeolite mineral that frequently occurs as a pseudomorph resulting from the hydration of natrolite. It is typically found in alkaline pegmatites and is best identified through X-ray diffraction or chemical analysis due to its visual similarity to other natrolite-group minerals.
Is this paranatrolite?
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 paranatrolite with a known reference. Paranatrolite 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. Paranatrolite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Paranatrolite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic to acicular crystals, often pseudomorphous after natrolite.
Often confused with
Paranatrolite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside paranatrolite
Minerals reported to co-occur with paranatrolite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂Al₂Si₃O₁₀·3H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 2.23 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic to Acicular Crystals, Often Pseudomorphous After Natrolite
- Cleavage
- Perfect in One Direction
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Specifically Pegmatite Vugs
- Typical price
- $20-150 for miniature specimens
Where rockhounds find paranatrolite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks, specifically pegmatite vugs country — that is the host setting where paranatrolite typically forms. If you start seeing natrolite, albite, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to acicular crystals, often pseudomorphous after natrolite habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find paranatrolite on the map
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