Parascandolaite is an extremely rare fluoride mineral first discovered in the volcanic fumaroles of Mount Vesuvius. It typically occurs as small, colorless tabular crystals and is known for its formation in high-temperature volcanic gas environments.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Parascandolaite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this parascandolaite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch parascandolaite with a known reference. Parascandolaite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Parascandolaite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Parascandolaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

Parascandolaite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Fluorite

Mohs 4

How to tell apart: Fluorite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4 vs. 2).

Often found alongside parascandolaite

Minerals reported to co-occur with parascandolaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: KMgF₃
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 2.44 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Good
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarolic Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find parascandolaite

Classic worldwide localities

Somma-Vesuvius Complex, Italy

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumarolic deposits country — that is the host setting where parascandolaite typically forms. If you start seeing avogadrite, hieratite, fluorite 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

How do you identify parascandolaite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is parascandolaite found?+

Notable localities include Somma-Vesuvius Complex, Italy.

How much is parascandolaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is parascandolaite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains fluorine and should be handled with caution; wash hands thoroughly after handling and do not ingest or inhale dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like parascandolaite?+

Parascandolaite is most often confused with Fluorite, Villiaumite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with parascandolaite?+

Parascandolaite commonly co-occurs with avogadrite, hieratite, fluorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does parascandolaite form in?+

Parascandolaite typically forms in fumarolic deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is parascandolaite used for?+

Parascandolaite is used in collector.

Find parascandolaite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.