Magnesiochromite is grayer in color and in streak and has a slightly lower density than chromite at a specific gravity of 4.2 to 4.4. Color is brownish black to a deep dark black. Luster is metallic to greasy. Crystals are opaque. Well formed crystals are rare and chromite is usually found massive or granular.
Cleavage is absent.
Fracture is conchoidal. Streak is brown. Weakly magnetic and an octahedral parting is sometimes seen. Associated Minerals include olivine , talc , serpentine , uvarovite , pyroxenes , biotite , magnetite and anorthite . Best Field Indicators are crystal habit, streak, associations with ultra-basic minerals and parting.