Pargasite is a magnesium-rich member of the calcic amphibole group, typically found in regionally metamorphosed limestone and skarn deposits. It often forms distinct, stocky prismatic crystals that can be difficult to distinguish from other dark amphiboles without chemical analysis. Collectors prize it for its association with secondary minerals like spinel and phlogopite in contact metamorphic zones.
Is this pargasite?
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 pargasite with a known reference. Pargasite 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. Pargasite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Pargasite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark green, brown, black, blue-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, granular, massive.
Often confused with
Pargasite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside pargasite
Minerals reported to co-occur with pargasite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaCa₂Mg₄Al(Si₆Al₂)O₂₂(OH,F)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.06-3.24 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Granular, Massive
- Cleavage
- Perfect in Two Directions
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Rocks Like Marbles and Skarns
- Typical price
- $10-100 per specimen
Where rockhounds find pargasite
Classic worldwide localities
- Pargas, Finland
- Grenville Province, Canada
- New York, USA
- Adirondack Mountains, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic rocks like marbles and skarns country — that is the host setting where pargasite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, dolomite, diopside in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, granular, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find pargasite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
