Vanadio-pargasite is a rare member of the hornblende group distinguished by its vibrant green color resulting from vanadium substitution in the crystal structure. It is typically found as prismatic crystals in metamorphosed limestone or dolomitic rocks. Collectors value it for its striking color and limited geographic distribution.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Pale green

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareHornblende Group family

Vanadio-pargasite

Hardness: ~6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Pale green
Transparency: Translucent

Is this vanadio-pargasite?

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 vanadio-pargasite with a known reference. Vanadio-pargasite sits at Mohs ~6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: pale green.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: bright green, emerald-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Pargasite

Mohs 5-6

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Vanadio-pargasite leaves pale green, Pargasite leaves white.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Vanadio-pargasite leaves pale green, Edenite leaves white.

Often found alongside vanadio-pargasite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaCa₂(Mg₄V)[Si₆Al₂]O₂₂(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: ~6
Density: 3.05 g/cm³
Colors: Bright green Emerald-green
Streak: Pale green
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic crystals
Cleavage: Perfect on {110}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Formed during prograde (granulite-facies) metamorphism of Cr-V-bearing calcite-dolomite and siliceous sediments

Where rockhounds find vanadio-pargasite

Classic worldwide localities

Pereval marble quarry, near Sludyanka, Irkutsk region, southern Lake Baikal, Siberia, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: Formed during prograde (granulite-facies) metamorphism of Cr-V-bearing calcite-dolomite and siliceous sediments. If you start seeing magnesiocoulsonite-magnesochromite, cr-v-rich spinel, phlogopite 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 vanadio-pargasite?+

Mohs hardness is ~6. Luster: vitreous. The streak is pale green. Common colors include bright green, emerald-green.

Where is vanadio-pargasite found?+

Notable localities include Pereval marble quarry, near Sludyanka, Irkutsk region, southern Lake Baikal, Siberia, Russia.

Is vanadio-pargasite safe to handle?+

Vanadio-pargasite contains vanadium. Wash your hands afterwards, never grind or breathe the dust, and store it apart from specimens you handle often.

What rocks look like vanadio-pargasite?+

Vanadio-pargasite is most often confused with Pargasite, Edenite, Chromio-pargasite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with vanadio-pargasite?+

Vanadio-pargasite commonly co-occurs with Magnesiocoulsonite-magnesochromite, Cr-V-rich spinel, Phlogopite, Forsterite, Cr-V-bearing diopside, Chlorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does vanadio-pargasite form in?+

Where it forms: Formed during prograde (granulite-facies) metamorphism of Cr-V-bearing calcite-dolomite and siliceous sediments. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is vanadio-pargasite used for?+

Vanadio-pargasite is used in collector.

Find vanadio-pargasite on the map

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