Nickelblödite is a rare nickel sulfate member of the blödite group, typically found as an oxidation product of nickel-bearing sulfides. Collectors look for its characteristic pale yellow, vitreous tabular crystals or crusts in arid environments where nickel ores have weathered.

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareBlödite Group family

Nickelblödite

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

Is this nickelblödite?

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 nickelblödite with a known reference. Nickelblödite 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. Nickelblödite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Nickelblödite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, crusts.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside nickelblödite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₂Ni(SO₄)₂·4H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2.5-3
Density: 2.36 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Crusts
Cleavage: Poor
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Nickel-rich Sulfide Deposits
Typical price: $50-250 per specimen depending on size and quality

Where rockhounds find nickelblödite

Classic worldwide localities

Kambalda, Western Australia
La Rioja, Argentina

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify nickelblödite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, pale yellow.

Where is nickelblödite found?+

Notable localities include Kambalda, Western Australia; La Rioja, Argentina.

How much is nickelblödite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-250 per specimen depending on size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like nickelblödite?+

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

What minerals are found with nickelblödite?+

Nickelblödite commonly co-occurs with Retgersite, Morenosite, Gypsum. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does nickelblödite form in?+

Nickelblödite 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 nickelblödite used for?+

Nickelblödite is used in collector.

Find nickelblödite on the map

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