Magnesiochromite is very similar to Chromite, and is often mistaken for it. Due to their similarity, it is very difficult to visually distinguish these two minerals. Magnesiochromite is the magnesium-dominating form in a series with Chromite, whereas Chromite is iron-dominating.
Crystal Forms & Aggregates
Crystals, which are octahedral, are very rare. Usually grainy, massive, and as rounded embedded masses.
Magnesiochromite does not have well defined localities, as it occurs scattered in chrome deposits together with Chromite. The type locality for this mineral is Schwarzenberg, in the Erzgebirge, Saxony, Germany. Other occurrences are the Saranovskoye Mine, Sarany, Ural Mountains, Russia; Soldiers Delight, Owings Mill, Baltimore Co., Maryland; and the Cedar Mountain Ridge Chromite deposit, near Livermore, Alameda Co., California.
