Nickelpicromerite is a rare secondary sulfate mineral occurring as efflorescences or crusts in the oxidized zones of nickel-rich ore deposits. It is best identified by its vibrant green color and association with other nickel sulfates in mine workings. Collectors typically seek out well-formed micro-specimens from historic European mining districts.
Is this nickelpicromerite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch nickelpicromerite with a known reference. Nickelpicromerite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Nickelpicromerite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Nickelpicromerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green, yellow-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: crusts, granular, prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Nickelpicromerite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside nickelpicromerite
Minerals reported to co-occur with nickelpicromerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (K,Ni)₂Mg(SO₄)₂·6H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 2.14 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Crusts, Granular, Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Secondary Mineral in Mine Dumps and Oxidized Zones
- Typical price
- $20-100 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find nickelpicromerite
Classic worldwide localities
- Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany
- Jachymov, Czech Republic
- Lavrion, Greece
- Broken Hill, Australia
Field-hunting tip
Look in secondary mineral in mine dumps and oxidized zones country — that is the host setting where nickelpicromerite typically forms. If you start seeing retgersite, morenosite, epsomite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a crusts, granular, prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify nickelpicromerite?+
Where is nickelpicromerite found?+
How much is nickelpicromerite worth?+
What rocks look like nickelpicromerite?+
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Find nickelpicromerite on the map
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