Kambaldaite is a rare nickel carbonate mineral that occurs as small, delicate hexagonal prisms. It is primarily found in the secondary oxidation zones of nickel sulfide ore deposits in Western Australia, often associated with weathered ultramafic rocks.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrarenull family

Kambaldaite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

Is this kambaldaite?

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 kambaldaite with a known reference. Kambaldaite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kambaldaite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kambaldaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: hexagonal prisms, tabular crystals.

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₂Ni₈(CO₃)₆(OH)₆·6H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 3.55 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Pale Yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Hexagonal Prisms, Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Nickel Sulfide Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find kambaldaite

Classic worldwide localities

Kambalda, Western Australia
Widgiemooltha, Western Australia

Field-hunting tip

Look in nickel sulfide ore deposits country — that is the host setting where kambaldaite typically forms. If you start seeing null in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a hexagonal prisms, tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kambaldaite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, pale yellow.

Where is kambaldaite found?+

Notable localities include Kambalda, Western Australia; Widgiemooltha, Western Australia.

How much is kambaldaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is kambaldaite safe to handle?+

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

What minerals are found with kambaldaite?+

Kambaldaite commonly co-occurs with null. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kambaldaite form in?+

Kambaldaite typically forms in nickel sulfide ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kambaldaite used for?+

Kambaldaite is used in collector.

Find kambaldaite on the map

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