Brindleyite is a rare nickel-rich member of the serpentine group, often appearing as small, platy, micaceous crystals. It is typically found in association with nickel deposits and is prized primarily by mineral collectors for its scarcity and specific geological occurrence.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareSerpentine Group family

Brindleyite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this brindleyite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch brindleyite with a known reference. Brindleyite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Brindleyite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Brindleyite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: green, pale green, yellowish green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, micaceous aggregates.

Often confused with

Brindleyite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Chrysotile

Mohs 2.5-3

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Brindleyite and silky on Chrysotile.

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Brindleyite and greasy on Antigorite.

Compare →

Often found alongside brindleyite

Minerals reported to co-occur with brindleyite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: (Ni,Mg,Fe)₂(Al,Si)₂O₅(OH)₄
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 2.7-2.8 g/cm³
Colors: Green Pale Green Yellowish Green
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Micaceous Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Nickel-bearing Hydrothermal Deposits
Typical price: $20-150 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find brindleyite

Classic worldwide localities

Príbram, Czech Republic
Kempirsai, Kazakhstan
New Caledonia

Field-hunting tip

Look in nickel-bearing hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where brindleyite typically forms. If you start seeing goethite, quartz, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, micaceous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify brindleyite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include green, pale green, yellowish green.

Where is brindleyite found?+

Notable localities include Príbram, Czech Republic; Kempirsai, Kazakhstan; New Caledonia.

How much is brindleyite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like brindleyite?+

Brindleyite is most often confused with Chrysotile, Antigorite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with brindleyite?+

Brindleyite commonly co-occurs with Goethite, Quartz, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does brindleyite form in?+

Brindleyite typically forms in nickel-bearing hydrothermal deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is brindleyite used for?+

Brindleyite is used in collector.

Find brindleyite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.