Ferchromide is an extremely rare iron-chromium alloy typically found as microscopic inclusions within chromite grains in ophiolitic rocks. Due to its metallic nature and rarity, it is almost exclusively a micro-mineral for advanced collectors and researchers studying geological mantle processes.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Gray

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareAlloy family

Ferchromide

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

Is this ferchromide?

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 ferchromide with a known reference. Ferchromide 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. Ferchromide leaves a gray streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Ferchromide typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: silver-white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: grains.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Chromite

Mohs 5.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Ferchromide leaves gray, Chromite leaves dark brown; luster reads metallic on Ferchromide and submetallic on Chromite.

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Often found alongside ferchromide

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CrFe
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 6.5-7.0 g/cm³
Colors: Silver-white Gray
Streak: Gray
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Ophiolite Complexes
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen size and rarity

Where rockhounds find ferchromide

Classic worldwide localities

Oman
Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in ophiolite complexes country, the host setting where ferchromide typically forms. If you start seeing chromite, olivine, serpentine 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 ferchromide?+

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

Where is ferchromide found?+

Notable localities include Oman; Russia.

How much is ferchromide worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen size and rarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like ferchromide?+

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

What minerals are found with ferchromide?+

Ferchromide commonly co-occurs with Chromite, Olivine, Serpentine. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ferchromide form in?+

Ferchromide typically forms in ophiolite complexes. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is ferchromide used for?+

Ferchromide is used in collector.

Find ferchromide on the map

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