Parascorodite is a rare trigonal polymorph of the more common mineral scorodite, appearing as tiny, pale crusts or crystalline aggregates. It is found in the oxidized zones of arsenic-rich deposits, typically forming through the alteration of primary sulfide minerals like arsenopyrite. Due to its extreme rarity and similarity to common scorodite, it is primarily sought after by advanced mineral systematic collectors.
Is this parascorodite?
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 parascorodite with a known reference. Parascorodite sits at Mohs 1-2, 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.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, light yellowish brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: aggregates, cryptocrystalline, earthy.
Often confused with
Parascorodite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Scorodite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 1-2); streak differs, so Parascorodite leaves yellowish-white, Scorodite leaves greenish white.
How to tell apart: Mansfieldite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5 vs. 1-2); streak differs, so Parascorodite leaves yellowish-white, Mansfieldite leaves white.
Often found alongside parascorodite
Minerals reported to co-occur with parascorodite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- FeAsO₄·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 1-2
- Density
- 3.213 g/cm³
- Colors
- WhiteLight yellowish brown
- Streak
- Yellowish-white
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Semitransparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Aggregates, cryptocrystalline, earthy
- Cleavage
- Parting
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A rare secondary mineral in mine dumps, presumed to be a pre-mining weathering product of arsenopyrite (Kaňk, Czech Republic)
Where rockhounds find parascorodite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kuntery mine, Kaňk, Kutná Hora district, and in the Svornost mine, Jáchymov (Joachimsthal), central Bohemia, Czech Republic
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A rare secondary mineral in mine dumps, presumed to be a pre-mining weathering product of arsenopyrite (Kaňk, Czech Republic). If you start seeing scorodite, pitticite, bukovskýite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: aggregates, cryptocrystalline, earthy. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify parascorodite?+
Where is parascorodite found?+
Is parascorodite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like parascorodite?+
What minerals are found with parascorodite?+
What kind of rock does parascorodite form in?+
What is parascorodite used for?+
Find parascorodite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
