Murchisite is a rare chromium sulfide that forms gray subhedral crystals. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2010. It was first described from material found in Australia (meteorite).

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareTrona family

Murchisite

Murchisite is a rare chromium sulfide that forms gray subhedral crystals. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2010. It was first described from material found in Australia (meteorite).

Hardness: 2.5-3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this murchisite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch murchisite with a known reference. Murchisite sits at Mohs 2.5-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Murchisite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Murchisite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: subhedral crystals.

Often confused with

Murchisite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Murchisite is noticeably harder (Mohs 2.5-3 vs. 1-1.5).

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Often found alongside murchisite

Minerals reported to co-occur with murchisite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Cr₅S₆
Mohs hardness: 2.5-3
Density: 4.22 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Gray
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Subhedral Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Evaporite Deposits

Where rockhounds find murchisite

Classic worldwide localities

material found in Australia (meteorite)

Field-hunting tip

Look in evaporite deposits country, the host setting where murchisite typically forms. If you start seeing trona, nahcolite, halite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a subhedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify murchisite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, gray.

Where is murchisite found?+

Notable localities include material found in Australia (meteorite).

What rocks look like murchisite?+

Murchisite is most often confused with Trona, Nahcolite, Natron. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with murchisite?+

Murchisite commonly co-occurs with Trona, Nahcolite, Halite, Shortite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does murchisite form in?+

Murchisite typically forms in evaporite deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is murchisite used for?+

Murchisite is used in collector.

Find murchisite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.