Chromo-alumino-povondraite is an extremely rare member of the tourmaline group characterized by its high chromium content. It typically forms as dark, opaque prismatic crystals found within metamorphic host rocks. Collectors seek this mineral primarily for its rarity and its distinct chemical position within the tourmaline supergroup.
Is this chromo-alumino-povondraite?
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 chromo-alumino-povondraite with a known reference. Chromo-alumino-povondraite sits at Mohs 7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chromo-alumino-povondraite leaves a pale green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Chromo-alumino-povondraite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Chromo-alumino-povondraite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside chromo-alumino-povondraite
Minerals reported to co-occur with chromo-alumino-povondraite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na(Cr,Al,Fe)₃(Al,Mg,Cr)₆(Si₆O₁₈)(BO₃)₃(OH)₃(O)
- Mohs hardness
- 7
- Density
- 3.35 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pale Green
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- [Poor/indistinct On {0001}.]
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Rocks
Where rockhounds find chromo-alumino-povondraite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kutná Hora, Czech Republic
- Karelia, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic rocks country, the host setting where chromo-alumino-povondraite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar, mica in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify chromo-alumino-povondraite?+
Where is chromo-alumino-povondraite found?+
What rocks look like chromo-alumino-povondraite?+
What minerals are found with chromo-alumino-povondraite?+
What kind of rock does chromo-alumino-povondraite form in?+
What is chromo-alumino-povondraite used for?+
Find chromo-alumino-povondraite on the map
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