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.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareTsumcorite Group family

Nickeltsumcorite

Hardness: ~4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Transparent

Is this nickeltsumcorite?

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 nickeltsumcorite with a known reference. Nickeltsumcorite sits at Mohs ~4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: yellow.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish yellow, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal 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.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Nickeltsumcorite leaves yellow, Helmutwinklerite leaves white.

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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: Pb(Ni,Fe)₂(AsO₄)₂(H₂O,OH)₂
Mohs hardness: ~4
Density: 5.02 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brownish yellow Brown
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy crystals, crusts, radial aggregates
Cleavage: Distinct on {001}, by analogy with tsumcorite
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of a hydrothermal deposit containing gersdorffite and galena

Where rockhounds find nickeltsumcorite

Classic worldwide localities

Tsumeb Mine, Namibia
Klomnice, Poland

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of a hydrothermal deposit containing gersdorffite and galena. If you start seeing annabergite, nickellotharmeyerite, nickelaustinite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts, radial aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify nickeltsumcorite?+

Mohs hardness is ~4. Luster: vitreous. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, brownish yellow, brown.

Where is nickeltsumcorite found?+

Notable localities include Tsumeb Mine, Namibia; Klomnice, Poland.

Is nickeltsumcorite safe to handle?+

Nickeltsumcorite contains arsenic, lead and nickel and calls for real care. Contains arsenic and lead; handle with gloves and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not inhale dust or allow to be ingested.

What rocks look like nickeltsumcorite?+

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

What minerals are found with nickeltsumcorite?+

Nickeltsumcorite commonly co-occurs with Annabergite, Nickellotharmeyerite, Nickelaustinite, Gaspéite, Calcite, Dolomite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does nickeltsumcorite form in?+

Where it forms: A secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of a hydrothermal deposit containing gersdorffite and galena. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is nickeltsumcorite used for?+

Nickeltsumcorite is used in collector.

Find nickeltsumcorite on the map

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