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Entry № 312

Paragonite

Sodium mica

The quiet silver mica of high-pressure rocks.

Chakra

Third Eye · Crown

Element

Air · Earth

Zodiac

Gemini · Virgo

Paragonite

I. The Metaphysical Reading

How the stone has been held.

Paragonite is worked with as a stone of clear perception and emotional detachment. Its fine scaly sheets are read as a reminder to look beneath the surface of situations, distinguishing intuition from anxiety.

Chakra
Third Eye · Crown
Element
Air · Earth
Zodiac
Gemini · Virgo
Keynote
The quiet silver mica of high-pressure rocks.

II. The Scientific Reading

What the lattice actually does.

Paragonite is the sodium-rich analogue of muscovite, a true mica. It forms in high-pressure metamorphic rocks such as blueschists and eclogites and is far less common than its potassium counterpart. It displays perfect basal cleavage and a pearly lustre.

Formula
NaAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
System
Monoclinic
Hardness
2.5 – 3.5 (Mohs)
Provenance
Switzerland, Italy, Austria, USA

References & Sources

Independent mineralogical references used to verify the scientific details above.

Mineral Profile

Fact Sheet

Chemical Formula
NaAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
Crystal System
Monoclinic
Mohs Hardness
2.5 – 3.5 (Mohs)
Density
2.85 – 3.10 g/cm³
Refractive Index
1.564 – 1.598
Provenance
Switzerland, Italy, Austria, USA
Color Origin
Silvery white, pale green, grey

Related Crystals

Stones that share this lattice

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Next in the Atlas

Pargasite

A deep green prism from the roots of mountains.