Nickelbischofite is an extremely rare nickel-bearing member of the bischofite group found in evaporite environments. It typically appears as small green crusts or granular aggregates and is highly hygroscopic, requiring sealed storage to prevent decomposition.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareBischofite Group family

Nickelbischofite

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

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Is this nickelbischofite?

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 nickelbischofite with a known reference. Nickelbischofite sits at Mohs 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. Nickelbischofite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Nickelbischofite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: granular to massive.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside nickelbischofite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NiCl₂·6H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 2.05 g/cm³
Colors: Green
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Granular to Massive
Cleavage: Distinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Evaporite Deposits
Typical price: $50-200 for small study specimens

Where rockhounds find nickelbischofite

Classic worldwide localities

Germany
Czech Republic

Field-hunting tip

Look in evaporite deposits country — that is the host setting where nickelbischofite typically forms. If you start seeing halite, sylvite, bischofite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular to massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify nickelbischofite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include green.

Where is nickelbischofite found?+

Notable localities include Germany; Czech Republic.

How much is nickelbischofite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-200 for small study specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is nickelbischofite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like nickelbischofite?+

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

What minerals are found with nickelbischofite?+

Nickelbischofite commonly co-occurs with Halite, Sylvite, Bischofite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does nickelbischofite form in?+

Nickelbischofite typically forms in evaporite deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is nickelbischofite used for?+

Nickelbischofite is used in collector.

Find nickelbischofite on the map

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