Paraniite-(Y) is an extremely rare yttrium-bearing silicate mineral first discovered in alkaline pegmatites of New Zealand. It typically occurs as small, thin platy crystals and represents a unique combination of silicate, phosphate, and borate components within its chemical structure.
Is this paraniite-(y)?
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 paraniite-(y) with a known reference. Paraniite-(Y) 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. Paraniite-(Y) leaves a yellowish-white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Paraniite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, thin aggregates.
Often confused with
Paraniite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Paraniite-(Y) leaves yellowish-white, Tundrite-(Nd) leaves white.
How to tell apart: Stillwellite-(Ce) is the harder of the two (Mohs 5 vs. 3-4); streak differs — Paraniite-(Y) leaves yellowish-white, Stillwellite-(Ce) leaves white.
Often found alongside paraniite-(y)
Minerals reported to co-occur with paraniite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Y,Ca)₂(Si,P,B,Al)O₄(F,OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 4.87 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish-white
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Thin Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- n/a
Where rockhounds find paraniite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Paranui, North Island, New Zealand
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where paraniite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, biotite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, thin aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify paraniite-(y)?+
Where is paraniite-(y) found?+
How much is paraniite-(y) worth?+
What rocks look like paraniite-(y)?+
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Find paraniite-(y) on the map
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