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 <3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: pink.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: submetallic to adamantine.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: purple, pinkish red, reddish brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: aggregates, platy.
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
- <3
- Density
- 1.33-1.48 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pink
- Luster
- Submetallic to adamantine
- Transparency
- Semitransparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Aggregates, platy
- Cleavage
- Probable on {111}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Of secondary origin on fracture surfaces in oil shale
Where rockhounds find abelsonite
Classic worldwide localities
- Green River formation, eastern Uintah Co., Utah, USA (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Of secondary origin on fracture surfaces in oil shale. If you start seeing albite, orthoclase, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: aggregates, platy. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify abelsonite?+
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Find abelsonite on the map
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