Parasibirskite is a rare calcium borate mineral known primarily from the skarn deposits of the Tayozhnoye region in Siberia. It is typically found as small, yellowish, translucent prismatic crystals associated with other boron-bearing minerals and magnetite in metamorphic environments.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareLudwigite Group family

Parasibirskite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this parasibirskite?

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 parasibirskite with a known reference. Parasibirskite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Parasibirskite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Parasibirskite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic to tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Parasibirskite and vitreous to earthy on Borax.

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Often found alongside parasibirskite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₂B₅O₉(OH)·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 3.37 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brownish-yellow Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic to Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Distinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Skarn
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find parasibirskite

Classic worldwide localities

Tayozhnoye deposit, Siberia, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in skarn country — that is the host setting where parasibirskite typically forms. If you start seeing sibirskite, calcite, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify parasibirskite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brownish-yellow, pale yellow.

Where is parasibirskite found?+

Notable localities include Tayozhnoye deposit, Siberia, Russia.

How much is parasibirskite 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 parasibirskite?+

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

What minerals are found with parasibirskite?+

Parasibirskite commonly co-occurs with Sibirskite, Calcite, Magnetite, Ludwigite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does parasibirskite form in?+

Parasibirskite typically forms in skarn. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is parasibirskite used for?+

Parasibirskite is used in collector.

Find parasibirskite on the map

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