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.
Is this paratsepinite-na?
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 paratsepinite-na with a known reference. Paratsepinite-Na sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Paratsepinite-Na leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Paratsepinite-Na typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. 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); streak differs — Paratsepinite-Na leaves white, Kupletskite leaves brown; luster reads vitreous on Paratsepinite-Na and submetallic on Kupletskite.
How to tell apart: Paratsepinite-Na is noticeably harder (Mohs 5 vs. 3); streak differs — Paratsepinite-Na leaves white, Astrophyllite leaves golden-brown; luster reads vitreous on Paratsepinite-Na and submetallic on Astrophyllite.
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(Ti,Nb)₂(Si₄O₁₂)(OH,O)₂·3H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 2.44 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find paratsepinite-na
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where paratsepinite-na typically forms. If you start seeing microcline, aegirine, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find paratsepinite-na on the map
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