Chromite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Chromite group, extensive solid-solution series.

Note: Magnesiochromite = MgCr₂ O₄; Hercynite = FeAl₂O₄.

Optics: R.I. = 2.08-2.16. Isotropic.

Occurrence: in igneous rocks rich in olivine; in serpentines; in stream and beach sands. Sometimes in massive deposits of large size.

California; Oregon; Washington; Wyoming; Maryland; North Carolina; Pennsylvania.

Canada; Cuba; Norway; USSR; France; Zimbabwe; India.

Stone Sizes: Any size could be cut from massive material. The possibility exists for some deep reddish crystals to contain very tiny facetable areas, but thus far none have been discovered.

Comments: Chromite is shiny and black, and makes a curious-looking cabochon with no special attraction. Occasionally, a cabochon has a reddish color. The stones have little value because the material is extremely abundant but are cut as curiosities only.

Sometimes weakly magnetic.

Name: In allusion to the composition.

Joel E. Arem, Ph.D., FGA

Dr. Joel E. Arem has more than 60 years of experience in the world of gems and minerals. After obtaining his Ph.D. in Mineralogy from Harvard University, he has published numerous books that are still among the most widely used references and guidebooks on crystals, gems and minerals in the world.

Co-founder and President of numerous organizations, Dr. Arem has enjoyed a lifelong career in mineralogy and gemology. He has been a Smithsonian scientist and Curator, a consultant to many well-known companies and institutions, and a prolific author and speaker. Although his main activities have been as a gem cutter and dealer, his focus has always been education. joelarem.com

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