Paraershovite is an extremely rare silicate mineral typically found in the complex alkaline rocks of the Kola Peninsula in Russia. It appears as delicate yellow, platy crystals that are often difficult to distinguish from its close associate, ershovite, without chemical analysis or X-ray diffraction.
Is this paraershovite?
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 paraershovite with a known reference. Paraershovite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow with orange, pink shades.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, tabular aggregates.
Often confused with
Paraershovite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside paraershovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with paraershovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₃K₃Fe₂Si₈O₂₀(OH)₄·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 2.60 g/cm³
- Colors
- Yellow with orangePink shades
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent to translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy crystals, tabular aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In hyperagpaitic pegmatite cutting ijolite-urtite, associated with nepheline syenites as an oxidized product of epithermal alteration of ershovite
Where rockhounds find paraershovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mount Yukspor, Khibina alkaline massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In hyperagpaitic pegmatite cutting ijolite-urtite, associated with nepheline syenites as an oxidized product of epithermal alteration of ershovite. If you start seeing sodalite, aegirine, arfvedsonite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals, tabular aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify paraershovite?+
Where is paraershovite found?+
What rocks look like paraershovite?+
What minerals are found with paraershovite?+
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Find paraershovite on the map
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