Chromferide is an extremely rare iron-chromium alloy first discovered in the Khatyrka meteorite. It occurs as microscopic grains within extraterrestrial rock and is significant for its unique composition and discovery in a quasicrystal-bearing meteorite.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Chromferide

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this chromferide?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch chromferide with a known reference. Chromferide sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chromferide leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Chromferide typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, silver-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: grains.

Often confused with

Chromferide vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Iron

Mohs 4-5

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Chromferide leaves black, Iron leaves gray.

Compare →

Often found alongside chromferide

Minerals reported to co-occur with chromferide. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Fe₃Cr
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 6.8 g/cm³
Colors: White Silver-white
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Research, Collector
Host rock: CV3 Carbonaceous Chondrite Meteorites
Typical price: n/a (extremely rare meteorite inclusion)

Where rockhounds find chromferide

Classic worldwide localities

Khatyrka meteorite
Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in cv3 carbonaceous chondrite meteorites country, the host setting where chromferide typically forms. If you start seeing khatyrkite, cupalite, haxonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify chromferide?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include white, silver-white.

Where is chromferide found?+

Notable localities include Khatyrka meteorite; Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Russia.

How much is chromferide worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of n/a (extremely rare meteorite inclusion). Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like chromferide?+

Chromferide is most often confused with Iron. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with chromferide?+

Chromferide commonly co-occurs with Khatyrkite, Cupalite, Haxonite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does chromferide form in?+

Chromferide typically forms in cv3 carbonaceous chondrite meteorites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is chromferide used for?+

Chromferide is used in research, collector.

Find chromferide on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.