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.
Is this vanadio-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 vanadio-pargasite with a known reference. Vanadio-pargasite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Vanadio-pargasite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Vanadio-pargasite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark green, emerald green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal 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.
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
- NaCa₂Mg₃V³⁺Si₆Al₂O₂₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 3.1-3.3 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect in Two Directions
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphosed Carbonate Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find vanadio-pargasite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kutcho Creek, British Columbia, Canada
- Sludyanka, Lake Baikal region, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphosed carbonate rocks country — that is the host setting where vanadio-pargasite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, diopside, forsterite 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
How do you identify vanadio-pargasite?+
Where is vanadio-pargasite found?+
How much is vanadio-pargasite worth?+
What rocks look like vanadio-pargasite?+
What minerals are found with vanadio-pargasite?+
What kind of rock does vanadio-pargasite form in?+
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Find vanadio-pargasite on the map
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