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.

Hardness

~4.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous, pearly on cleavages

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent to transparent

mineralrare

Paraumbite

Hardness: ~4.5
Luster: Vitreous, pearly on cleavages
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent to transparent

Is this paraumbite?

5-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 paraumbite with a known reference. Paraumbite sits at Mohs ~4.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous, pearly on cleavages.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, light yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: pseudo hexagonal.

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: K₃Zr₂H(Si₃O₉)₂·3H₂O
Mohs hardness: ~4.5
Density: 2.59 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Light yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous, pearly on cleavages
Transparency: Translucent to transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Pseudo hexagonal
Cleavage: {010}, perfect micaceous; {100} and {110}, less perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Replacing wadeite in a pegmatite in a differentiated alkalic massif (Khibiny massif, Russia); in altered pegmatite and sodalite xenoliths in an intrusive alkalic gabbro-syenite complex (Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada)

Where rockhounds find paraumbite

Classic worldwide localities

Mt. Eveslogchorr, Khibiny massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: Replacing wadeite in a pegmatite in a differentiated alkalic massif (Khibiny massif, Russia); in altered pegmatite and sodalite xenoliths in an intrusive alkalic gabbro-syenite complex (Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada). If you start seeing eudialyte, wadeite, gaidonnayite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: pseudo hexagonal. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify paraumbite?+

Mohs hardness is ~4.5. Luster: vitreous, pearly on cleavages. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, light yellow.

Where is paraumbite found?+

Notable localities include Mt. Eveslogchorr, Khibiny massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia; Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada.

What rocks look like paraumbite?+

Paraumbite is most often confused with Umbozerite, Gaidonnayite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with paraumbite?+

Paraumbite commonly co-occurs with Eudialyte, Wadeite, Gaidonnayite, Natrolite, Pectolite, Potassic feldspar. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does paraumbite form in?+

Where it forms: Replacing wadeite in a pegmatite in a differentiated alkalic massif (Khibiny massif, Russia); in altered pegmatite and sodalite xenoliths in an intrusive alkalic gabbro-syenite complex (Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada). Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is paraumbite used for?+

Paraumbite is used in collector.

Find paraumbite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.