Zincochromite is an exceptionally rare member of the spinel group where zinc replaces iron or magnesium. Collectors typically find it as dark, granular masses within ultramafic environments or specific hydrothermal ore deposits. Due to its scarcity and similarity to more common chromites, positive identification usually requires professional mineralogical analysis.
Is this zincochromite?
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 zincochromite with a known reference. Zincochromite sits at Mohs 5.5-6.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zincochromite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Zincochromite typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brownish black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: granular to massive.
Often confused with
Zincochromite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Zincochromite leaves black, Chromite leaves dark brown.
How to tell apart: Luster reads submetallic on Zincochromite and metallic on Magnetite.
How to tell apart: Gahnite is the harder of the two (Mohs 7.5-8 vs. 5.5-6.5); streak differs — Zincochromite leaves black, Gahnite leaves gray; luster reads submetallic on Zincochromite and vitreous on Gahnite.
Often found alongside zincochromite
Minerals reported to co-occur with zincochromite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- ZnCr₂O₄
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5-6.5
- Density
- 5.28 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Granular to Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Skarn Deposits and Ultramafic Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find zincochromite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kurgashinkan deposit, Uzbekistan
- Hitura mine, Finland
- O'Dell Lake, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal skarn deposits and ultramafic rocks country — that is the host setting where zincochromite typically forms. If you start seeing chromite, magnetite, serpentine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular to massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify zincochromite?+
Where is zincochromite found?+
How much is zincochromite worth?+
What rocks look like zincochromite?+
What minerals are found with zincochromite?+
What kind of rock does zincochromite form in?+
What is zincochromite used for?+
Find zincochromite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
