Chromite
Image: Islam90 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameChromite
Chemical FormulaFeCr₂O₄
Mohs Hardness5.5
Crystal Systemcubic
Streak Colorbrown
Cleavagenone
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity4.5
Colorsblack, brownish-black
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityBushveld Complex (South Africa), Great Dyke (Zimbabwe), Stillwater Complex (USA)
Mineral GroupOxides
Usesore of chromium, refractory materials, pigments
Associated Mineralsolivine, pyroxene, serpentine, magnetite
Raritycommon
Description
The image shows a microscopic view of a chromite grain, appearing as a light grey, fractured surface with some darker irregular areas, likely pits or inclusions. Macroscopically, chromite is a black to brownish-black mineral.
Geological Context
Chromite is an early-crystallizing mineral found primarily in ultramafic igneous rocks like peridotites and dunites, often accumulating in layered intrusions or associated with ophiolite complexes. It forms from high-temperature, low-silica magmas.
