Chromio-pargasite is a striking, chromium-rich member of the amphibole supergroup characterized by its intense emerald-green hue. It is typically found in contact-metamorphosed dolomitic limestones and serpentinites, often forming sharp, short prismatic crystals that are highly sought after by collectors.
Is this chromio-pargasite?
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 chromio-pargasite with a known reference. Chromio-pargasite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chromio-pargasite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Chromio-pargasite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: emerald green, deep green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Chromio-pargasite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside chromio-pargasite
Minerals reported to co-occur with chromio-pargasite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaCa₂(Mg₃Al₂)(Si₆Al₂)O₂₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.0-3.3 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect in Two Directions At 56 and 124 Degrees
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Lapidary
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Rocks
- Typical price
- $20-150 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find chromio-pargasite
Classic worldwide localities
- Outokumpu, Finland
- Sukhothai, Thailand
- Kashitu, Zambia
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where chromio-pargasite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, dolomite, chromite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify chromio-pargasite?+
Where is chromio-pargasite found?+
How much is chromio-pargasite worth?+
What rocks look like chromio-pargasite?+
What minerals are found with chromio-pargasite?+
What kind of rock does chromio-pargasite form in?+
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Find chromio-pargasite on the map
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