Trevorite is a rare nickel-iron member of the spinel group, frequently identified by its distinct metallic luster and strong magnetism. It is typically found as small, black, octahedral crystals associated with ultramafic deposits or contact metasomatic zones. Collectors prize it for its unique chemical composition and locality-specific occurrences in nickel mining districts.
Is this trevorite?
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 trevorite with a known reference. Trevorite 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. Trevorite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Trevorite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brownish-black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral crystals, massive.
Often confused with
Trevorite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Trevorite leaves black, Chromite leaves dark brown; luster reads metallic on Trevorite and submetallic on Chromite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Trevorite leaves black, Franklinite leaves reddish-brown.
Often found alongside trevorite
Minerals reported to co-occur with trevorite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NiFe³⁺₂O₄
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 5.16 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Octahedral Crystals, Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Nickel-rich Ultramafic Rocks, Contact Metamorphic Zones
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find trevorite
Classic worldwide localities
- Barberton, South Africa
- Agnew, Australia
- Kambalda, Australia
- Kozaki, Japan
Field-hunting tip
Look in nickel-rich ultramafic rocks, contact metamorphic zones country — that is the host setting where trevorite typically forms. If you start seeing magnetite, willemseite, goethite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a octahedral crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find trevorite on the map
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