Paratooite-(La) is a rare copper-lanthanum carbonate mineral typically found as small, yellow, platy crystals or thin crusts. It is primarily known from the oxidized zones of copper deposits in South Australia, often associated with other secondary copper carbonates.
Is this paratooite-(la)?
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 paratooite-(la) with a known reference. Paratooite-(La) sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Paratooite-(La) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Paratooite-(La) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts.
Often confused with
Paratooite-(La) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Paratooite-(La) leaves white, Azurite leaves light blue; luster reads vitreous on Paratooite-(La) and vitreous to dull on Azurite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Paratooite-(La) leaves white, Malachite leaves light green.
Often found alongside paratooite-(la)
Minerals reported to co-occur with paratooite-(la). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂CaLa₂Cu(CO₃)₆·3H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 3.84 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Crusts
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Copper-bearing Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find paratooite-(la)
Classic worldwide localities
- Paratoo copper mine, South Australia
- Copley, South Australia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized copper-bearing ore deposits country — that is the host setting where paratooite-(la) typically forms. If you start seeing azurite, malachite, goethite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify paratooite-(la)?+
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Find paratooite-(la) on the map
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