Chromo-alumino-povondraite is an extremely rare member of the tourmaline group characterized by its high chromium content. It typically forms as dark, opaque prismatic crystals found within metamorphic host rocks. Collectors seek this mineral primarily for its rarity and its distinct chemical position within the tourmaline supergroup.

Hardness

7.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Pale green

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareTourmaline Group family

Chromo-alumino-povondraite

Hardness: 7.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Pale green
Transparency: Transparent

Is this chromo-alumino-povondraite?

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 chromo-alumino-povondraite with a known reference. Chromo-alumino-povondraite sits at Mohs 7.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: pale green.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Schorl

Mohs 7

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Chromo-alumino-povondraite leaves pale green, Schorl leaves white.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Chromo-alumino-povondraite leaves pale green, Dravite leaves light brown, white.

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Often found alongside chromo-alumino-povondraite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaCr₃(Al₄Mg₂)(Si₆O₁₈)(BO₃)₃(OH)₃O
Mohs hardness: 7.5
Density: 3.227 g/cm³
Colors: Green
Streak: Pale green
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic crystals
Cleavage: Poor/indistinct on {0001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A primary mineral in metaquartzite (granulite facies) in marble

Where rockhounds find chromo-alumino-povondraite

Classic worldwide localities

Pereval marble quarry, Sludyanka, Lake Baikal, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A primary mineral in metaquartzite (granulite facies) in marble. If you start seeing dravite, oxy-chromium-dravite, oxy-dravite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify chromo-alumino-povondraite?+

Mohs hardness is 7.5. Luster: vitreous. The streak is pale green. Common colors include green.

Where is chromo-alumino-povondraite found?+

Notable localities include Pereval marble quarry, Sludyanka, Lake Baikal, Russia.

What rocks look like chromo-alumino-povondraite?+

Chromo-alumino-povondraite is most often confused with Schorl, Dravite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with chromo-alumino-povondraite?+

Chromo-alumino-povondraite commonly co-occurs with Dravite, Oxy-chromium-dravite, Oxy-dravite, Quartz, Calcite, Chromphyllite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does chromo-alumino-povondraite form in?+

Where it forms: A primary mineral in metaquartzite (granulite facies) in marble. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is chromo-alumino-povondraite used for?+

Chromo-alumino-povondraite is used in collector.

Find chromo-alumino-povondraite on the map

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