Paraumbite is a rare potassium zirconium silicate mineral found primarily in the unique alkaline massifs of the Kola Peninsula. It typically appears as small, tabular colorless to yellow crystals embedded within nepheline syenite pegmatites. Collectors should look for it in association with other rare zirconium minerals in hyper-alkaline environments.
Is this paraumbite?
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 paraumbite with a known reference. Paraumbite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Paraumbite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Paraumbite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive.
Often confused with
Paraumbite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside paraumbite
Minerals reported to co-occur with paraumbite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₃Zr₂Si₆O₁₈H
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 2.88 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {1011}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find paraumbite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous pegmatites country — that is the host setting where paraumbite typically forms. If you start seeing microcline, nepheline, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find paraumbite on the map
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