Paratsepinite-Na is a rare member of the eudialyte-group supergroup found in hyperalkaline igneous environments. It typically occurs as small, prismatic to tabular crystals in association with other rare silicates in the Khibiny and Lovozero massifs.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareTsepinite Group family

Paratsepinite-Na

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this paratsepinite-na?

4-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 paratsepinite-na with a known reference. Paratsepinite-Na sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless.
4
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

Paratsepinite-Na vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Paratsepinite-Na is noticeably harder (Mohs 5 vs. 3-4).

How to tell apart: Paratsepinite-Na is noticeably harder (Mohs 5 vs. 3); luster reads vitreous on Paratsepinite-Na and submetallic, pearly, greasy on Astrophyllite.

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Often found alongside paratsepinite-na

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Na,Sr,K,Ca)₂(Ti,Nb)₂(Si₄O₁₂)(O,OH)₂·4H₂O
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 2.76 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic crystals
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In cavities in peralkaline pegmatite

Where rockhounds find paratsepinite-na

Classic worldwide localities

Mt. Khibinpakhkchorr, Khibiny massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In cavities in peralkaline pegmatite. If you start seeing analcime, natrolite, tsepinite-na in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify paratsepinite-na?+

Mohs hardness is 5. Luster: vitreous. Common colors include colorless.

Where is paratsepinite-na found?+

Notable localities include Mt. Khibinpakhkchorr, Khibiny massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

What rocks look like paratsepinite-na?+

Paratsepinite-Na is most often confused with Tsepinite-Na, Kupletskite, Astrophyllite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with paratsepinite-na?+

Paratsepinite-Na commonly co-occurs with Analcime, Natrolite, Tsepinite-Na, Catapleiite, Apophyllite, Fluorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does paratsepinite-na form in?+

Where it forms: In cavities in peralkaline pegmatite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is paratsepinite-na used for?+

Paratsepinite-Na is used in collector.

Find paratsepinite-na on the map

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