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

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. Fuchsite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Fuchsite 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: 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
Density: 2.8 g/cm³
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
Typical price: $5-30 for palm stones or specimens

Where rockhounds find fuchsite

Classic worldwide localities

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

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic rocks, hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where fuchsite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, kyanite, corundum in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, micaceous masses habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify fuchsite?+

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 fuchsite found?+

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

How much is fuchsite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $5-30 for palm stones or specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

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?+

Fuchsite typically forms in 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.