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.
Is this isovite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch isovite with a known reference. Isovite sits at Mohs 8, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: iron gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: granular.
Often confused with
Isovite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Isovite is noticeably harder (Mohs 8 vs. 5.5); streak differs, so Isovite leaves white, Chromite leaves brown.
How to tell apart: Isovite is noticeably harder (Mohs 8 vs. 5.5-6.5); streak differs, so Isovite leaves white, Magnetite leaves black.
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
- 8
- Density
- 7.4 g/cm³
- Colors
- Iron gray
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Granular
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In a heavy mineral concentrate from a gold-platinum placer deposit
Where rockhounds find isovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Isovsky district, central Urals, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a heavy mineral concentrate from a gold-platinum placer deposit. If you start seeing gold, platinum-group minerals, cinnabar in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: granular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify isovite?+
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What rocks look like isovite?+
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Find isovite on the map
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