Isovite is a rare chromium carbide mineral typically found as small, metallic grains within platinum-bearing ultramafic rock complexes. It is difficult to distinguish in the field from other metallic oxides and is primarily recognized through microscopic examination and chemical analysis.

Hardness

4-5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Isovite

Hardness: 4-5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this isovite?

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 isovite with a known reference. Isovite sits at Mohs 4-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Isovite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Isovite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: grains.

Often confused with

Isovite 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 — Isovite leaves white, Chromite leaves dark brown; luster reads metallic on Isovite and submetallic on Chromite.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Isovite leaves white, Magnetite leaves black.

Compare →

Often found alongside isovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Cr,Fe)₂₃C₆
Mohs hardness: 4-5
Density: 7.5-7.7 g/cm³
Colors: White Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Ultramafic Rocks
Typical price: $50-300+ for micro-specimens

Where rockhounds find isovite

Classic worldwide localities

Kytlym massif, Ural Mountains, Russia
Bir Bir River, Ethiopia
Sierra Leone
Yubdo, Ethiopia

Field-hunting tip

Look in ultramafic rocks country — that is the host setting where isovite typically forms. If you start seeing chromite, platinum, olivine 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 isovite?+

Mohs hardness is 4-5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, pale yellow.

Where is isovite found?+

Notable localities include Kytlym massif, Ural Mountains, Russia; Bir Bir River, Ethiopia; Sierra Leone; Yubdo, Ethiopia.

How much is isovite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300+ for micro-specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like isovite?+

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

What minerals are found with isovite?+

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

What kind of rock does isovite form in?+

Isovite typically forms in ultramafic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is isovite used for?+

Isovite is used in collector.

Find isovite on the map

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