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 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Parascorodite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Parascorodite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: microcrystalline aggregates, crusts.
Often confused with
Parascorodite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
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
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 3.28 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Microcrystalline Aggregates, Crusts
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Arsenic-rich Hydrothermal Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find parascorodite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tsumeb, Namibia
- Kank, Czech Republic
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of arsenic-rich hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where parascorodite typically forms. If you start seeing arsenopyrite, limonite, goethite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microcrystalline aggregates, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify parascorodite?+
Where is parascorodite found?+
How much is parascorodite worth?+
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.
