Native chromium is an extremely rare native metal that typically occurs as microscopic inclusions within chromite or other ultramafic rocks. Because it is almost never found in hand-sized specimens, it is primarily a target for advanced microscopic mineral collectors and researchers. It is distinguishable from other native metals primarily through laboratory analysis like SEM-EDS.
Is this native chromium?
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 native chromium with a known reference. Native Chromium sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Native Chromium leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Native Chromium typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, silver-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: rarely found as microscopic grains or intergrowths.
Often confused with
Native Chromium vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside native chromium
Minerals reported to co-occur with native chromium. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cr
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 7.1-7.2 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Rarely Found as Microscopic Grains or Intergrowths
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Ophiolitic Ultramafic Complexes
- Typical price
- $500+ per specimen
Where rockhounds find native chromium
Classic worldwide localities
- Kozhim River, Polar Urals, Russia
- Dimitrov massif, Bulgaria
- Hebei Province, China
Field-hunting tip
Look in ophiolitic ultramafic complexes country, the host setting where native chromium typically forms. If you start seeing chromite, platinum, olivine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rarely found as microscopic grains or intergrowths habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find native chromium on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
