Parascholzite is a very rare phosphate mineral that is a polymorph of hopeite. It typically occurs as small, colorless to white tabular crystals found in complex granite pegmatite deposits associated with other secondary phosphate minerals.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareHopeite Group family

Parascholzite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this parascholzite?

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 parascholzite with a known reference. Parascholzite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Parascholzite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Parascholzite 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

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

Often found alongside parascholzite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaZn₂(PO₄)₂·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 3.1 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect On {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find parascholzite

Classic worldwide localities

Hagendorf, Bavaria, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country, the host setting where parascholzite typically forms. If you start seeing hopeite, triphylite, fairfieldite 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 parascholzite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is parascholzite found?+

Notable localities include Hagendorf, Bavaria, Germany.

How much is parascholzite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like parascholzite?+

Parascholzite is most often confused with Hopeite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with parascholzite?+

Parascholzite commonly co-occurs with Hopeite, Triphylite, Fairfieldite, Hureaulite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does parascholzite form in?+

Parascholzite typically forms in granite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is parascholzite used for?+

Parascholzite is used in collector.

Find parascholzite on the map

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