Abelsonite is a rare nickel porphyrin mineral found almost exclusively in the Green River Formation oil shales. It is biologically derived, forming from the degradation of chlorophyll in ancient lake settings. Collectors typically find it as microscopic inclusions or thin platy aggregates within shale matrices.
Is this abelsonite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch abelsonite with a known reference. Abelsonite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Abelsonite leaves a pinkish-brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Abelsonite typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: purple, reddish-brown, pinkish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: thin platy crystals, aggregates, or microscopic inclusions.
Often found alongside abelsonite
Minerals reported to co-occur with abelsonite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- C₃₁H₃₂N₄Ni
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 1.45 g/cm³
- Streak
- Pinkish-brown
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Thin Platy Crystals, Aggregates, Or Microscopic Inclusions
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oil Shales
- Typical price
- $100-500 per specimen
Where rockhounds find abelsonite
Classic worldwide localities
- Green River Formation, Utah, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in oil shales country — that is the host setting where abelsonite typically forms. If you start seeing dolomite, calcite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a thin platy crystals, aggregates, or microscopic inclusions habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find abelsonite on the map
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