Fuchsite is a chromium-rich variety of muscovite characterized by its brilliant, emerald-green color. It typically forms as platy aggregates or micaceous masses and is often found associated with quartz or kyanite in metamorphic environments.

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralcommonMuscovite family

Fuchsite

Also: Chrome Mica, Fuschite

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

Is this fuchsite?

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 fuchsite with a known reference. Fuchsite 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. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: pearly.
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: platy crystals, micaceous masses.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside fuchsite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: K(Al,Cr)₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 2.5-3
Colors: Emerald-green Bright-green
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy crystals, micaceous masses
Cleavage: Perfect basal
Rarity: Common
Uses: Collector, Lapidary
Host rock: metamorphic rocks, hydrothermal veins

Where rockhounds find fuchsite

Classic worldwide localities

Minas Gerais, Brazil
Zambales, Philippines
Kola Peninsula, Russia
Western Australia, Australia
California, USA

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: metamorphic rocks, hydrothermal veins. If you start seeing quartz, kyanite, corundum in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals, micaceous masses. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

More fuchsite photos

Common questions

How do you identify fuchsite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-3. Luster: pearly. The streak is white. Common colors include emerald-green, bright-green.

Where is fuchsite found?+

Notable localities include Minas Gerais, Brazil; Zambales, Philippines; Kola Peninsula, Russia; Western Australia, Australia; California, USA.

What rocks look like fuchsite?+

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

What minerals are found with fuchsite?+

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

What kind of rock does fuchsite form in?+

Where it forms: metamorphic rocks, hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is fuchsite used for?+

Fuchsite is used in collector, lapidary.

Find fuchsite on the map

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