Paranatrolite
Paranatrolite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula Na₂(Si₃Al₂)O₁₀·3H₂O.
It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group Fd). It is a member of the Natrolite structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 5–5.5; specific gravity 2.21–2.29; Vitreous luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Pntr, IMA status: approved, named in 1978.
Found in miarolitic cavities and pegmatitic dikes within nepheline syenite in an intrusive alkalic gabbro-syenite complex (Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada); in pegmatites in nepheline syenites in differentiated alkalic massifs (Kola Peninsula.
It is found associated with Natrolite, tetranatrolite (Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada).
Its name comes from the Greek para, for near, and its relation to natrolite.