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Chromite
Chromite is oxide (spinel group), FeCr₂O₄. In the hand, it rates 5.5 on the Mohs scale, and it runs iron black and brownish black. Black metallic-dull heavy ore with a BROWN streak and only weak magnetic response, the chrome-bearing twin of magnetite. Layered intrusions and serpentinites: Bushveld (South Africa), Kazakhstan, Turkey, Zimbabwe.
The geology.
Chromite carries the formula FeCr₂O₄. It belongs to the isometric system. On paper it is oxide (spinel group).
It sits at 5.5 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads metallic to submetallic. Light behaviour is opaque. Specific gravity runs 4.5 to 4.8. The streak is brown. It breaks with no cleavage; uneven fracture.
Black metallic-dull heavy ore with a BROWN streak and only weak magnetic response, the chrome-bearing twin of magnetite.
Expect to see it as massive granular ore, bands in serpentinite or rare octahedral crystals.
The origins.
Layered intrusions and serpentinites: Bushveld (South Africa), Kazakhstan, Turkey, Zimbabwe.
On value, the database notes: inexpensive ore specimen.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, chromite has little established lore; it is an industry workhorse more than a stone.
Recorded here because it is part of how this material is sold, not because it is a property of the material.
Spotting the real thing.
Black metallic-dull heavy ore with a BROWN streak and only weak magnetic response, the chrome-bearing twin of magnetite.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Magnetite | Magnetite streaks black and snaps strongly to a magnet; chromite streaks brown and barely responds |
| Ilmenite | Ilmenite streaks black-to-brownish and is associated with titanium rocks; lab tests often needed |
| Hematite | Hematite streaks red-brown and feels denser |
At-home tests.
None of these need a lab. A 10x loupe, good daylight and a steady hand cover most of what a buyer needs to know about chromite.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| Magnet check | Brown streak (key separator from magnetite) |
| Magnet check | Weak to no magnetism |
| By eye | Heavy (SG ~4.6) |
If these checks leave you unsure, that is what appraisers are for. Do not file, heat or soak a piece to find out.
Care & handling.
At 5.5 on the Mohs scale it handles careful wear but scratches against quartz and dust. Store it separately and take rings off before rough work.
It breaks with no cleavage; uneven fracture, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Most damage happens during cleaning, not wearing. Avoid steamers, ultrasonic tanks and anything from under the sink.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is FeCr₂O₄. Crystal system: Isometric. Specific gravity: 4.5 to 4.8. Streak: Brown. Cleavage and fracture: No cleavage; uneven fracture.
How it reaches the market
Layered intrusions and serpentinites: Bushveld (South Africa), Kazakhstan, Turkey, Zimbabwe.
What it gets confused with
Magnetite: Magnetite streaks black and snaps strongly to a magnet; chromite streaks brown and barely responds. Ilmenite: Ilmenite streaks black-to-brownish and is associated with titanium rocks; lab tests often needed. Hematite: Hematite streaks red-brown and feels denser.
What it is worth
Inexpensive ore specimen.
One more thing
Every piece of stainless steel owes its rust-proofing to chromium pulled from chromite seams like South Africa's Bushveld.
An education-first guide.
There is nothing to buy on this page. Chromite is not part of our catalogue, and the guide is here anyway because somebody searching the name deserves a straight answer.
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