Morenosite is a secondary nickel sulfate mineral that typically forms as a dehydration product or efflorescence in the oxidation zones of nickel-bearing sulfide ores. It is highly unstable in dry air and can quickly dehydrate to form retgersite, so collectors should store it in sealed containers with humidity control.

Hardness

2-2.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Morenosite

Hardness: 2-2.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this morenosite?

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 morenosite with a known reference. Morenosite sits at Mohs 2-2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Morenosite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Morenosite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: apple-green, light green, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: acicular, fibrous, crusts, efflorescent.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside morenosite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NiSO₄·7H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2-2.5
Density: 1.97 g/cm³
Colors: Apple-green Light Green White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Acicular, Fibrous, Crusts, Efflorescent
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Nickel-rich Sulfide Deposits
Typical price: $20-150 per specimen

Where rockhounds find morenosite

Classic worldwide localities

Spain
Germany
Greece
USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of nickel-rich sulfide deposits country — that is the host setting where morenosite typically forms. If you start seeing annabergite, retgersite, millerite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular, fibrous, crusts, efflorescent habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify morenosite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-2.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include apple-green, light green, white.

Where is morenosite found?+

Notable localities include Spain; Germany; Greece; USA.

How much is morenosite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is morenosite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains nickel, which is a skin irritant and potential carcinogen. Handle with gloves and avoid inhalation of dust or ingestion. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like morenosite?+

Morenosite is most often confused with Melanterite, Goslarite, Epsomite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with morenosite?+

Morenosite commonly co-occurs with Annabergite, Retgersite, Millerite, Nickel-sulfides. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does morenosite form in?+

Morenosite typically forms in oxidized zones of nickel-rich sulfide deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is morenosite used for?+

Morenosite is used in collector.

Find morenosite on the map

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