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, 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.