Chromceladonite is a rare chromium-bearing member of the celadonite group, often appearing as soft, powdery green fillings in basaltic vugs. Collectors primarily look for it in volcanic regions where it forms as a secondary mineral in association with zeolite minerals.
Is this chromceladonite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch chromceladonite with a known reference. Chromceladonite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chromceladonite leaves a light green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Chromceladonite typically shows a dull luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: bright green, bluish green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: massive, earthy, micaceous.
Often confused with
Chromceladonite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside chromceladonite
Minerals reported to co-occur with chromceladonite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K(Mg,Fe³⁺)(Fe³⁺,Al)Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.8-3.0 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Light Green
- Luster
- Dull
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Earthy, Micaceous
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Amygdaloidal Basalt Cavities
- Typical price
- $10-50 per specimen
Where rockhounds find chromceladonite
Classic worldwide localities
- Monte Baldo, Italy
- Western Ghats, India
- Iceland
Field-hunting tip
Look in amygdaloidal basalt cavities country, the host setting where chromceladonite typically forms. If you start seeing zeolites, quartz, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, earthy, micaceous habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify chromceladonite?+
Where is chromceladonite found?+
How much is chromceladonite worth?+
What rocks look like chromceladonite?+
What minerals are found with chromceladonite?+
What kind of rock does chromceladonite form in?+
What is chromceladonite used for?+
Find chromceladonite on the map
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