Mbobomkulite is a rare nickel-aluminum sulfate-nitrate hydroxide mineral typically found as a secondary mineral in oxidized nickel ore zones. It forms distinctive blue, pearly, platy aggregates that are often fragile and delicate for collectors to handle.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

Pale Blue

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrarenull family

Mbobomkulite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Pearly
Streak: Pale Blue
Transparency: Translucent

Is this mbobomkulite?

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 mbobomkulite with a known reference. Mbobomkulite 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. Mbobomkulite leaves a pale blue streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Mbobomkulite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: blue, greenish-blue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy or micaceous aggregates, thin laths.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Zaratite

Mohs 3-3.25

How to tell apart: Zaratite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3-3.25 vs. 2); streak differs — Mbobomkulite leaves pale blue, Zaratite leaves pale green; luster reads pearly on Mbobomkulite and vitreous on Zaratite.

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Often found alongside mbobomkulite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Ni,Cu)Al₄((OH)₈|SO₄,NO₃)₂·3H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 2.1-2.2 g/cm³
Colors: Blue Greenish-blue
Streak: Pale Blue
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy or Micaceous Aggregates, Thin Laths
Cleavage: Perfect On {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Nickel-bearing Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find mbobomkulite

Classic worldwide localities

Mbobomkulu, South Africa
Western Australia

Field-hunting tip

Look in nickel-bearing ore deposits country — that is the host setting where mbobomkulite typically forms. If you start seeing nimite, quartz, nickel sulfides in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy or micaceous aggregates, thin laths habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify mbobomkulite?+

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

Where is mbobomkulite found?+

Notable localities include Mbobomkulu, South Africa; Western Australia.

How much is mbobomkulite 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 mbobomkulite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like mbobomkulite?+

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

What minerals are found with mbobomkulite?+

Mbobomkulite commonly co-occurs with Nimite, Quartz, Nickel sulfides. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does mbobomkulite form in?+

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

What is mbobomkulite used for?+

Mbobomkulite is used in collector.

Find mbobomkulite on the map

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