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 — that is 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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