Paraniite-(Y) is a rare calcium yttrium arsenate that forms creamy yellow rough crystals. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 1992. It was first described from the east flank of Pizzo Cervandone, Alpe Devero, Valle d'Ossola, Piedmont, Italy.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous to Adamantine

Streak

Yellowish-white

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Paraniite-(Y)

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous to Adamantine
Streak: Yellowish-white
Transparency: Translucent

Is this paraniite-(y)?

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 paraniite-(y) with a known reference. Paraniite-(Y) sits at Mohs 3-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Paraniite-(Y) leaves a yellowish-white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Paraniite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous to adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: creamy yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: rough crystals.

Often confused with

Paraniite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Paraniite-(Y) leaves yellowish-white, Tundrite-(Nd) leaves white; luster reads vitreous to adamantine on Paraniite-(Y) and vitreous on Tundrite-(Nd).

How to tell apart: Stillwellite-(Ce) is the harder of the two (Mohs 6.5 vs. 3-4); streak differs, so Paraniite-(Y) leaves yellowish-white, Stillwellite-(Ce) leaves white; luster reads vitreous to adamantine on Paraniite-(Y) and vitreous on Stillwellite-(Ce).

Compare →

Often found alongside paraniite-(y)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₂Y(WO₄)₂(AsO₄)
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 5.95 g/cm³
Colors: Creamy Yellow
Streak: Yellowish-white
Luster: Vitreous to Adamantine
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Rough Crystals
Cleavage: On {001}, Distinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites

Where rockhounds find paraniite-(y)

Classic worldwide localities

east flank of Pizzo Cervandone, Piedmont, Italy

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country, the host setting where paraniite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, biotite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rough crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify paraniite-(y)?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous to adamantine luster. The streak is yellowish-white. Common colors include creamy yellow.

Where is paraniite-(y) found?+

Notable localities include east flank of Pizzo Cervandone, Piedmont, Italy.

Is paraniite-(y) safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like paraniite-(y)?+

Paraniite-(Y) is most often confused with Tundrite-(Nd), Stillwellite-(Ce). A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with paraniite-(y)?+

Paraniite-(Y) commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Microcline, Biotite, Fluorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does paraniite-(y) form in?+

Paraniite-(Y) typically forms in alkaline pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is paraniite-(y) used for?+

Paraniite-(Y) is used in collector.

Find paraniite-(y) on the map

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