Hydrombobomkulite is a rare hydrated nickel-aluminum nitrate sulfate carbonate mineral belonging to the layered double hydroxide group. It typically occurs as small, delicate platy crystals or thin crusts in the oxidation zones of nickel-bearing mineral deposits.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareHydrotalcite Group family

Hydrombobomkulite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this hydrombobomkulite?

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 hydrombobomkulite with a known reference. Hydrombobomkulite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hydrombobomkulite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Hydrombobomkulite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, pale blue, pale green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts, or aggregates.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside hydrombobomkulite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Ni,Al)₄(NO₃,SO₄,CO₃)₂(OH)₁₂·3H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 2.28 g/cm³
Colors: White Pale Blue Pale Green
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Crusts, Or Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Weathered Nickel Ore Zones and Hydrothermal Environments
Typical price: n/a

Where rockhounds find hydrombobomkulite

Classic worldwide localities

Bobomkul deposit, Tajikistan
various nickel-bearing ore occurrences

Field-hunting tip

Look in weathered nickel ore zones and hydrothermal environments country — that is the host setting where hydrombobomkulite typically forms. If you start seeing bunsenite, violarite, nickel-rich clays in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts, or aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify hydrombobomkulite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, pale blue, pale green.

Where is hydrombobomkulite found?+

Notable localities include Bobomkul deposit, Tajikistan; various nickel-bearing ore occurrences.

How much is hydrombobomkulite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of n/a. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is hydrombobomkulite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains nickel, which is a known skin sensitizer and potentially toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like hydrombobomkulite?+

Hydrombobomkulite is most often confused with Hydrotalcite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with hydrombobomkulite?+

Hydrombobomkulite commonly co-occurs with Bunsenite, Violarite, Nickel-rich clays. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does hydrombobomkulite form in?+

Hydrombobomkulite typically forms in weathered nickel ore zones and hydrothermal environments. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is hydrombobomkulite used for?+

Hydrombobomkulite is used in collector.

Find hydrombobomkulite on the map

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