Nickelalumite is a rare secondary mineral found in the oxidation zones of nickel-rich ore deposits. Collectors typically search for its distinct blue to blue-green platy or micaceous crusts, often associated with other secondary copper and nickel species.

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareNickelalumite Group family

Nickelalumite

Hardness: 2.5-3
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this nickelalumite?

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 nickelalumite with a known reference. Nickelalumite sits at Mohs 2.5-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Nickelalumite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Nickelalumite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: blue, blue-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts, micaceous aggregates.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Nickelalumite leaves white, Zaratite leaves pale green; luster reads pearly on Nickelalumite and vitreous on Zaratite.

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Often found alongside nickelalumite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NiAl₄(SO₄)(OH)₁₂·3H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2.5-3
Density: 2.4 g/cm³
Colors: Blue Blue-green
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Crusts, Micaceous Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Oxidized Nickeliferous Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find nickelalumite

Classic worldwide localities

Czech Republic
Germany
France

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized nickeliferous ore deposits country — that is the host setting where nickelalumite typically forms. If you start seeing gypsum, goethite, malachite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts, micaceous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify nickelalumite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-3. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include blue, blue-green.

Where is nickelalumite found?+

Notable localities include Czech Republic; Germany; France.

How much is nickelalumite 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.

What rocks look like nickelalumite?+

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

What minerals are found with nickelalumite?+

Nickelalumite commonly co-occurs with Gypsum, Goethite, Malachite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does nickelalumite form in?+

Nickelalumite typically forms in oxidized nickeliferous ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is nickelalumite used for?+

Nickelalumite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find nickelalumite on the map

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