Nickenichite is a rare arsenate mineral found as small, fragile platy crystals within the cavities of volcanic rocks in the Eifel region of Germany. It is primarily sought by advanced mineral collectors specializing in rare volcanic species and requires careful handling due to its arsenic content.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Nickenichite

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

Is this nickenichite?

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 nickenichite with a known reference. Nickenichite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Nickenichite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Nickenichite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Wadeite

Mohs 6

How to tell apart: Wadeite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6 vs. 3).

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Nickenichite leaves white, Liroconite leaves pale blue.

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Often found alongside nickenichite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₀.₈Ca₀.₄Sr₀.₁Cu₀.₁Fe₀.₁AsO₄
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 3.32 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-orange
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Crusts
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Volcanic Ejecta (tephritic to Phonolitic Lavas)
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find nickenichite

Classic worldwide localities

Eifel Mountains, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in volcanic ejecta (tephritic to phonolitic lavas) country — that is the host setting where nickenichite typically forms. If you start seeing sanidine, clinopyroxene, haüyne in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify nickenichite?+

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

Where is nickenichite found?+

Notable localities include Eifel Mountains, Germany.

How much is nickenichite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is nickenichite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, a toxic element. Handle with care, wash hands after touching, and avoid inhalation of dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like nickenichite?+

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

What minerals are found with nickenichite?+

Nickenichite commonly co-occurs with Sanidine, Clinopyroxene, Haüyne, Apatite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does nickenichite form in?+

Nickenichite typically forms in volcanic ejecta (tephritic to phonolitic lavas). Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is nickenichite used for?+

Nickenichite is used in collector.

Find nickenichite on the map

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