Iron chromium oxide and the only commercial ore of chromium. Essential for stainless steel and chrome plating. Color: Black to brownish-black. Luster: Metallic to submetallic. Streak: Brown. Cleavage: None. Hardness: 5.5. Transparency: Opaque. Crystal system: Isometric Cubic. Chemical formula: FeCr₂O₄. Specific gravity: 4.5-4.8. Formation: Forms in ultramafic igneous rocks as an early crystallizing phase; concentrates in layered intrusions. Common geological settings: South Africa Bushveld , Zimbabwe, India, Turkey; found in peridotites and serpentinites. Common look-alikes and related entries: Magnetite, Ilmenite, Columbite.
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These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.
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Last updated
2026-03-30T14:36:56.942766+00:00
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IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.
Iron chromium oxide and the only commercial ore of chromium. Essential for stainless steel and chrome plating.
How can you identify Chromite?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Black to brownish-black; lustre: Metallic to submetallic; streak: Brown; Mohs hardness: 5.5; cleavage: None; crystal system: Isometric Cubic; transparency: Opaque. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Chromite form?
Forms in ultramafic igneous rocks as an early crystallizing phase; concentrates in layered intrusions.
Where is Chromite commonly found?
South Africa Bushveld , Zimbabwe, India, Turkey; found in peridotites and serpentinites.
What is Chromite commonly confused with?
Chromite may be confused with Magnetite, Ilmenite, Columbite. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
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