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

Mohs

Luster

Silky on fractures

Streak

Pale green

Transparency

Transparent to translucent

mineralrare

Kambaldaite

Hardness: ~3
Luster: Silky on fractures
Streak: Pale green
Transparency: Transparent to 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, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: pale green.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: silky on fractures.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: light green, emerald green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: acicular, prismatic.

Often found alongside kambaldaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₂Ni₈(CO₃)₆(OH)₆·6H₂O
Mohs hardness: ~3
Density: 3.18 g/cm³
Colors: Light green Emerald green
Streak: Pale green
Luster: Silky on fractures
Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Acicular, prismatic
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A secondary mineral in goethitic residues formed by oxidation of violarite–pyrite in the presence of wallrock carbonates and saline groundwater (Kambalda, Western Australia)

Where rockhounds find kambaldaite

Classic worldwide localities

Otter Shoot, Kambalda, 56 km south of Kalgoorlie, and in the 132 North nickel mine, 4 km southwest of Widgiemooltha, Western Australia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A secondary mineral in goethitic residues formed by oxidation of violarite–pyrite in the presence of wallrock carbonates and saline groundwater (Kambalda, Western Australia). If you start seeing gaspéite, reevesite, aragonite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: acicular, prismatic. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kambaldaite?+

Mohs hardness is ~3. Luster: silky on fractures. The streak is pale green. Common colors include light green, emerald green.

Where is kambaldaite found?+

Notable localities include Otter Shoot, Kambalda, 56 km south of Kalgoorlie, and in the 132 North nickel mine, 4 km southwest of Widgiemooltha, Western Australia.

Is kambaldaite safe to handle?+

Kambaldaite contains nickel. 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.

What minerals are found with kambaldaite?+

Kambaldaite commonly co-occurs with Gaspéite, Reevesite, Aragonite, Pyrite, Goethite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kambaldaite form in?+

Where it forms: A secondary mineral in goethitic residues formed by oxidation of violarite–pyrite in the presence of wallrock carbonates and saline groundwater (Kambalda, Western Australia). 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.