Chromite Can Be Interesting!

Chromite is usually black and quite boring to look at.  But chromite found in serpentine areas can be dark green with light green veins running thru it, a nice natural look for jewelry.  Chromite is mainly used in making stainless steel, or chrome on your car, but is used with chemical to tan leather, and in the textile industry, to make the color yellow.  Chromite in the tinyist of portions makes emeralds green!

   The chromite piece I am cutting into slabs right now is from the Clear Creek Management Area, an amazing section of BLM land just west of Coalinga, California.  This is a naturally occuring serpentine area, and the location of the state rock - serpentine - and the state gem - benitoite.