Paratooite-(La)
Chemical formula: (La<sup>3+</sup>,Ca,Na,Sr)<sub>6</sub>Cu<sup>2+</sup>(CO<sub>3</sub>)<sub>8</sub>
Paratooite-(La) is an extremely rare rare-earth carbonate mineral, forming microscopic, blue aggregates.
Description
## Characteristics Paratooite-(La) is a rare copper and rare-earth carbonate, with lanthanum being the dominant rare-earth element. It forms very small, spherical aggregates or rosettes, composed of thin, often curved, hexagonal plates. The size of individual aggregates usually does not exceed 0.2 mm, making it a mineral primarily accessible to micromineral collectors. Its characteristic feature is a delicate, light blue color. ## Physical Properties This mineral is characterized by a vitreous luster and is translucent. Due to the microscopic size of the crystals, its hardness has not been determined. The density calculated based on chemical composition and crystal structure is approximately 4.01 g/cm³. ## Colors and Varieties Paratooite-(La) occurs in a uniform, light blue or bluish color. No color varieties or commercial varieties are known. ## History and Name The mineral's name comes from its discovery locality – the Paratoo copper mine in South Australia. It was officially described as a new mineral species in 2011 by Peter Elliott, Gerald Giester, Uwe Kolitsch, and Kim Tait. The "-(La)" suffix in the name (the so-called Levinson modifier) indicates the dominance of lanthanum among the rare-earth elements in its chemical composition. ## Applications Due to its extreme rarity and microscopic size, paratooite-(La) has no industrial applications. It is solely an object of scientific interest and a valuable acquisition for specialized collectors of rare minerals.
Diagnostic features
## Identification Identification of paratooite-(La) is impossible without advanced laboratory techniques. It requires chemical analysis (e.g., EDS) to confirm the presence of lanthanum and copper, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to verify the crystal structure. A preliminary indication may be its unique form – microscopic, blue rosettes – and its co-occurrence with other copper minerals at the discovery site. ## Distinguishing from Similar Minerals It can be confused with other light blue, secondary copper minerals. Definitive differentiation from similar, rare carbonates (e.g., from the bastnäsite or ancylite group) requires specialized instrumental analysis. ## Crystal Forms It forms aggregates and rosettes up to 0.2 mm in diameter, composed of very thin, hexagonal, tabular crystals, which are often slightly curved.
Geological environment
## Genesis Paratooite-(La) is a secondary mineral that forms in the oxidation (weathering) zone of copper deposits. It results from the reaction of solutions rich in copper and rare-earth elements with carbonates present in the host rock. ## Mineral Associations At the type locality, paratooite-(La) occurs in association with malachite, quartz, and another, then unidentified, calcium-lanthanum carbonate. ## Localities The only confirmed occurrence of this mineral worldwide is its type locality – the Paratoo mine, in Yancowinna County, South Australia.
Rarity
Extremely rare
Collector aspects
## Quality Criteria For such a rare micromineral, the main criterion for value is the quality and richness of the specimen. The most prized samples are those with clearly formed, undamaged paratooite-(La) rosettes, preferably in a contrasting arrangement with associated minerals. Due to its microscopic nature, the aesthetics of the entire specimen viewed under magnification are crucial. ## Popular Localities The only source of specimens is the Paratoo mine in South Australia. Material from this locality is extremely difficult to obtain.
Care and storage
## Cleaning Paratooite-(La) specimens are extremely small and delicate. Mechanical (brushes) or chemical cleaning is absolutely not recommended. Any attempts at cleaning can irreversibly damage the microscopic crystals. If dust removal is necessary, a gentle stream of air from a photographic blower can be used. ## What to Avoid As a carbonate, this mineral is sensitive to acids, which cause its rapid decomposition. Contact with any chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and sudden temperature changes should be avoided. Specimens should not be exposed to direct sunlight. ## Storage It is recommended to store specimens in specialized micromount boxes, which protect them from dust, moisture, and mechanical damage. Stable environmental conditions should be ensured.