Paraniite-(Y) is a rare calcium yttrium arsenate that forms creamy yellow rough crystals. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 1992. It was first described from the east flank of Pizzo Cervandone, Alpe Devero, Valle d'Ossola, Piedmont, Italy.
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. Streak: yellowish-white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous to adamantine.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: rough crystals.
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, so Paraniite-(Y) leaves yellowish-white, Tundrite-(Nd) leaves white.
How to tell apart: Stillwellite-(Ce) is the harder of the two (Mohs ~6.5 vs. 3-4); streak differs, so Paraniite-(Y) leaves yellowish-white, Stillwellite-(Ce) leaves white; luster reads vitreous to adamantine on Paraniite-(Y) and resinous on Stillwellite-(Ce).
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
- Ca₂Y(WO₄)₂(AsO₄)
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 5.95 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish-white
- Luster
- Vitreous to adamantine
- Transparency
- Semitransparent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Rough crystals
- Cleavage
- On {001}, distinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A very rare mineral found in a fissure in gneiss in an area anomalously high in arsenic (Pizzo Cervandone, Italy)
Where rockhounds find paraniite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- East flank of Pizzo Cervandone, Alpe Devero, Valle d’Ossola, Piedmont, Italy
- Fianel mine, Val Ferrera, Graubünden, Switzerland
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A very rare mineral found in a fissure in gneiss in an area anomalously high in arsenic (Pizzo Cervandone, Italy). If you start seeing scheelite–powellite, beryl, roméite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: rough crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify paraniite-(y)?+
Where is paraniite-(y) found?+
Is paraniite-(y) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like paraniite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with paraniite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does paraniite-(y) form in?+
What is paraniite-(y) used for?+
Find paraniite-(y) on the map
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