Nickeltsumcorite is an extremely rare member of the Tsumcorite group, characterized by its distinct yellow color and platy crystal habit. It is found primarily in the oxidation zones of base metal deposits, often associated with other secondary arsenates.
Is this nickeltsumcorite?
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 nickeltsumcorite with a known reference. Nickeltsumcorite sits at Mohs 4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Nickeltsumcorite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Nickeltsumcorite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, greenish-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Nickeltsumcorite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside nickeltsumcorite
Minerals reported to co-occur with nickeltsumcorite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PbNi₂(AsO₄)₂·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Density
- 5.68 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Crusts, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Polymetallic Hydrothermal Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on quality
Where rockhounds find nickeltsumcorite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tsumeb Mine, Namibia
- Klomnice, Poland
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of polymetallic hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where nickeltsumcorite typically forms. If you start seeing mimetite, wulfenite, smithsonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify nickeltsumcorite?+
Where is nickeltsumcorite found?+
How much is nickeltsumcorite worth?+
Is nickeltsumcorite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like nickeltsumcorite?+
What minerals are found with nickeltsumcorite?+
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Find nickeltsumcorite on the map
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