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 — 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 — that is 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.