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, 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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