Arupite is a rare hydrated nickel phosphate belonging to the vivianite group, occurring as delicate pale green to yellowish-green platy crystals. It is typically found as a secondary mineral in oxidized nickel-rich ore deposits, often appearing as coatings or radial sprays on associated nickel minerals.
Is this arupite?
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 arupite with a known reference. Arupite sits at Mohs 1.5-2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Arupite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Arupite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green, yellowish-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Arupite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Arupite leaves white, Vivianite leaves white to light blue; luster reads pearly on Arupite and vitreous on Vivianite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Arupite leaves white, Annabergite leaves pale green; luster reads pearly on Arupite and pearly, vitreous on Annabergite.
Often found alongside arupite
Minerals reported to co-occur with arupite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ni₃(PO₄)₂·8H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 1.5-2
- Density
- 2.8 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Crusts, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Nickel-bearing Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find arupite
Classic worldwide localities
- Arupensa mine, Germany
- Kamschorskoye, Russia
- Bou Azzer, Morocco
Field-hunting tip
Look in nickel-bearing hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where arupite typically forms. If you start seeing gersdorffite, nickeline, annabergite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find arupite on the map
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