Oxy-chromium-dravite is a rare member of the tourmaline group, distinguished by its intense green color derived from chromium substitution. It typically occurs as prismatic crystals within metamorphic rocks and is highly prized by collectors for its unique chemistry and vivid, saturated hues.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareTourmaline Group family

Oxy-chromium-dravite

Hardness: 7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this oxy-chromium-dravite?

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 oxy-chromium-dravite with a known reference. Oxy-chromium-dravite sits at Mohs 7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Oxy-chromium-dravite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Oxy-chromium-dravite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark green, emerald green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

Oxy-chromium-dravite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside oxy-chromium-dravite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na(Cr₃)Mg₆(Si₆O₁₈)(BO₃)₃(OH)₃O
Mohs hardness: 7
Density: 3.02-3.11 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Green Emerald Green
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Indistinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic Rocks
Typical price: $50-500 depending on crystal size and clarity

Where rockhounds find oxy-chromium-dravite

Classic worldwide localities

Sar-e-Sang, Afghanistan
Urals, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where oxy-chromium-dravite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, phlogopite, diopside in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify oxy-chromium-dravite?+

Mohs hardness is 7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include dark green, emerald green.

Where is oxy-chromium-dravite found?+

Notable localities include Sar-e-Sang, Afghanistan; Urals, Russia.

How much is oxy-chromium-dravite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on crystal size and clarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like oxy-chromium-dravite?+

Oxy-chromium-dravite is most often confused with Uvite, Dravite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with oxy-chromium-dravite?+

Oxy-chromium-dravite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Phlogopite, Diopside. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does oxy-chromium-dravite form in?+

Oxy-chromium-dravite typically forms in metamorphic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is oxy-chromium-dravite used for?+

Oxy-chromium-dravite is used in collector.

Find oxy-chromium-dravite on the map

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