Godlevskite is a rare nickel sulfide mineral usually found within complex magmatic ore bodies. It typically presents as metallic yellow, granular masses and is most commonly identified through microscopic analysis or ore microscopy due to its similarity to other nickel sulfides.
Is this godlevskite?
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 godlevskite with a known reference. Godlevskite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Godlevskite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Godlevskite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, bronze-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: massive, granular, or interstitial fillings.
Often confused with
Godlevskite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Godlevskite leaves black, Pentlandite leaves light bronze-brown.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Godlevskite leaves black, Millerite leaves bright greenish-black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Godlevskite leaves black, Heazlewoodite leaves blackish.
Often found alongside godlevskite
Minerals reported to co-occur with godlevskite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ni₉S₈
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 4.67 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Granular, Or Interstitial Fillings
- Cleavage
- None Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Magmatic Sulfide Deposits in Ultramafic Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and association
Where rockhounds find godlevskite
Classic worldwide localities
- Norilsk ore field, Russia
- Kambalda, Australia
- Sudbury, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in magmatic sulfide deposits in ultramafic rocks country — that is the host setting where godlevskite typically forms. If you start seeing pentlandite, magnetite, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular, or interstitial fillings habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find godlevskite on the map
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