It is named for Chengde County, China from where it was discovered in placer deposits in just the early 1990's. Since then it has been found as a trace mineral in chromite rich ultra-mafic igneous deposits. Color is black. Luster is metallic. Specimens are opaque.
Cleavage is absent.
Fracture is hackly. Streak is black. Associated Minerals include olivine , chromite and other ultra-mafic igneous minerals. Notable Occurrences are limited to the type locality at Luan River in Chengde County, China and just a few ultra-mafic igneous rock deposits. Best Field Indicator is crystal habit, color, locality and especially density.