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 — that is 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.
