Chromphyllite is a chromium-rich member of the mica group, characterized by its distinctive and vibrant emerald-green color. Collectors look for scaly or platy aggregates typically found in metamorphic environments associated with chromite deposits.

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareMica Group family

Chromphyllite

Hardness: 2.5-3
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this chromphyllite?

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 chromphyllite with a known reference. Chromphyllite sits at Mohs 2.5-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chromphyllite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Chromphyllite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: emerald-green, bright green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: scaly, micaceous aggregates.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside chromphyllite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: K(Cr,Al)₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 2.5-3
Density: 2.8-2.9 g/cm³
Colors: Emerald-green Bright Green
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Scaly, Micaceous Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Chromium-rich Metamorphic Rocks
Typical price: $20-100 per specimen

Where rockhounds find chromphyllite

Classic worldwide localities

Ural Mountains, Russia
Finland
Norway

Field-hunting tip

Look in chromium-rich metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where chromphyllite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, chromite, kyanite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a scaly, micaceous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify chromphyllite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-3. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include emerald-green, bright green.

Where is chromphyllite found?+

Notable localities include Ural Mountains, Russia; Finland; Norway.

How much is chromphyllite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like chromphyllite?+

Chromphyllite is most often confused with Fuchsite, Muscovite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with chromphyllite?+

Chromphyllite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Chromite, Kyanite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does chromphyllite form in?+

Chromphyllite typically forms in chromium-rich metamorphic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is chromphyllite used for?+

Chromphyllite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find chromphyllite on the map

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