Paravinogradovite is a rare mineral found within the unique alkaline pegmatite environments of the Kola Peninsula. It typically forms as small, elongated prismatic crystals that are colorless to white and is primarily sought after by advanced systematic mineral collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareLabuntsovite Group family

Paravinogradovite

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this paravinogradovite?

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 paravinogradovite with a known reference. Paravinogradovite sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Paravinogradovite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Paravinogradovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

Paravinogradovite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside paravinogradovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Na,Sr,Ba)₂(Ti,Nb)₄(Si₂O₇)₂(O,OH)₄·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 2.83 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find paravinogradovite

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where paravinogradovite typically forms. If you start seeing microcline, aegirine, eudialyte 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 paravinogradovite?+

Mohs hardness is 5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is paravinogradovite found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is paravinogradovite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like paravinogradovite?+

Paravinogradovite is most often confused with Nenadkevichite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with paravinogradovite?+

Paravinogradovite commonly co-occurs with Microcline, Aegirine, Eudialyte, Arfvedsonite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does paravinogradovite form in?+

Paravinogradovite typically forms in alkaline pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is paravinogradovite used for?+

Paravinogradovite is used in collector.

Find paravinogradovite on the map

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