Parasymplesite is a rare hydrated iron arsenate belonging to the vivianite group, prized by mineral collectors for its vibrant blue color. It typically occurs as small, delicate prismatic crystals or radial sprays within the oxidized zones of arsenic-rich ore deposits. Due to its softness and susceptibility to dehydration, it requires careful handling and storage away from direct heat and light.
Is this parasymplesite?
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 parasymplesite with a known reference. Parasymplesite sits at Mohs 1.5-2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Parasymplesite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Parasymplesite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: blue, greenish-blue.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic to acicular crystals, often as radial aggregates or coatings.
Often confused with
Parasymplesite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside parasymplesite
Minerals reported to co-occur with parasymplesite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Fe₃(AsO₄)₂·8H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 1.5-2
- Density
- 2.95 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic to Acicular Crystals, Often as Radial Aggregates or Coatings
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Hydrothermal Arsenic-bearing Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 for thumbnail to small cabinet specimens
Where rockhounds find parasymplesite
Classic worldwide localities
- Japan
- Germany
- Mexico
- USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of hydrothermal arsenic-bearing deposits country — that is the host setting where parasymplesite typically forms. If you start seeing arsenopyrite, limonite, pharmacosiderite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to acicular crystals, often as radial aggregates or coatings habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify parasymplesite?+
Where is parasymplesite found?+
How much is parasymplesite worth?+
Is parasymplesite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like parasymplesite?+
What minerals are found with parasymplesite?+
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Find parasymplesite on the map
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